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GOLDEN STEPS 



Ejspjrtaiitlittf, Mttta, itnii Indira. 



BEING A SERIES OF LECTURES TO 



YOUTH OF BOTH SEXES, 



CHARACTER, PRINCIPLES, ASSOCIATES, AMUSE- 
MENTS, RELIGION, AND MARRIAGE. 



BY JOHN MATHER AUSTIN, 

AUTHOR OF "VOICE TO YOUTH ;" " VOICE TO MARRIED," ETC., ETC. 



" Onward ! onward ! Toils despising, * 
Upward, upward! Turn thine eyes, 
Only be content when rising, 
Fix thy goal amid the skies." 



AUBURN: 
DERBY, MILLER, AND COMPANY. 

1850. 







Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1850, 

BY DERBY, MILLER & CO., 

In the Clerk's Office of the Northern District of New York. 



/ 



THOMAS B. SMITH, STEREOTYPER, 
216 WILLIAM STREET, N. Y. 



CONTENTS, 



-<#"♦-*=- 



LECTURE I. 

PAGE 

THE VALUE OF A GOOD REPUTATION 9 



LECTURE II. 

THE PRINCIPLES AND PURPOSES OF LIFE . . . . 30 

LECTURE III 

SELECTION OF ASSOCIATES 9 . . . , . 60 

LECTURE IV. 

THE HABITS AND AMUSEMENTS 80 

LECTURE V. 

THE RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS . . . . . .116 

LECTURE VI. 

MARRIAGE ......... 194 



PREFACE, 



The Lectures embraced in this volume, were 
written for the pulpit, in the usual manner of prep- 
aration for such labor, without any expectation 
of their appearing in print. The author is but too 
sensible that they are imperfect in many features, 
both in matter and style. It is only in the hope 
that they will be of some benefit to the class to 
whom they are addressed, that he has consented to 
submit them to public perusal. He has aimed at 
nothing eccentric, odd, or far-fetched ; but has 
sought to utter plain and obvious truths, in a plain 
and simple manner. There is no class more inter- 
esting, and none which has higher claims on the 
wisdom, experience, and advice, of mature minds, 
than the young who are about to enter upon the 
trying duties and responsibilities of active life. 
Whatever tends to instruct and enlighten them ; to 
point out the temptations which w T ill beset their 
pathway, and the dire evils which inevitably flow 



VI PREFACE. 

from a life of immorality ; whatever will influence 
them to honesty, industry, sobriety, and religion, 
and lead them to the practice of these virtues, as 
" Golden Steps" by which they may ascend to Re- 
spectability, Usefulness, and Happiness, must be of 
benefit to the world. To aid in such a work, is 
the design of this volume. If it subserves this end 
— if it becomes instrumental in inciting the youth- 
ful to high and pure principles of action, in hedging 
up the way of sin, and opening the path of wisdom, 
to any — if it drops but a single good seed into the 
heart of each of its readers, and awakens the slight- 
est aspiration to morality, usefulness, and religion — 
it will not have been prepared in vain. With a 
prayer to God that he would protect and bless the 
youth of our common country, and prepare them 
to preserve and perpetuate the priceless legacy of 
Freedom and Religion, which they will inherit 
from their fathers, this book is given to the world, 
to fulfil such a mission as Divine Wisdom shall 
direct, 

The Author. 

Auburn, June, 1850. 



GOLDEN STEPS 



FOR 



YOUTH OF BOTE SEXES. 



LECTURE I. 

€ju %&hx nf a (toil Ejjnttatron. 



u Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time 
to come." — 1 Tim. vi. ID. 



N this language St. Paul asserts 
a principle which should com- 
mend itself to the mature 
consideration of every youth- 
ful mind. If the young would 
have their career honorable 
and prosperous — if they would 
enjoy the respect and con- 
fidence of community; if they 
would have the evening of their 
days calm, serene, and peaceful — 
they must prepare for it early in 
They must lay " a good foundation 




against the time 



to come" — a foundation 



10 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

which will be capable of sustaining the 
edifice they would erect. The building 
cannot be reared in strength and beauty, 
without it rests on a secure " corner-stone." 
The harvest cannot be gathered unless the 
seed is first cast into the ground. A wise 
Providence has so ordered it that success, 
prosperity, and happiness through life, and a 
respected and "green old age," are to be 
enjoyed only by careful preparation, prudent 
forecast, and assiduous culture, in the earlier 
periods of our existence. 

" True wisdom, early sought and gained, 
In age will give thee rest ; 
O then improve the morn of life, 
To make its evening "blest." 

The youthful live much in the future. 
They are fond of gazing into its unknown 
depths, and of endeavoring to trace the out- 
line, at least, of the fortunes that await them. 
With ardent hope, with eager expecta- 
tion, they anticipate the approach of coming 
years — confident they will bring to them 
naught but unalloyed felicity. But they 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 11 

should allow their anticipations of the future 
to be controlled by a well-balanced judg- 
ment, and moderated by the experience of 
those who have gone before them. 

In looking to the future, there is one im- 
portant inquiry which the young should put 
to their own hearts:— What do I most 
desire to become in mature life ? What 
position am I anxious to occupy in society ? 
What is the estimation in which I wish to 
be held by those within the circle of my 
acquaintance ? 

The answer to these inquiries, from the 
great mass of young people, can well be 
anticipated. There are none among them 
who desire to be disrespected and shunned 
by the wise and good— who are anxious to 
be covered with disgrace and infamy — who 
seek to be outcasts and vagabonds in the 
world. The thought that they were doomed 
to such a condition, would fill them with alarm. 
Every discreet youth will exclaim — " Nothing 
would gratify me more than to be honored 
and respected, as I advance in years; to 



12 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

move in good society ; to have people seek 
my company, rather than shun it; to he 
looked up to as an example for others to 
imitate, and to enjoy the confidence of all 
around me." 

Is not this the desire of the young of this 
large audience ? Surely there can be none 
here so blind to the future, so lost to their 
own good, as to prefer a life of infamy and 
its ever-accompanying wretchedness, to re- 
spectability, prosperity, and true enjoyment? 
But how are these to be obtained ? Respec- 
tability, prosperity, the good opinion of com- 
munity, do not come simply at our bidding. 
"We cannot reach forth our hands and take 
them, as we pluck the ripe fruit from the 
bending branch. Neither will wishing or 
hoping for them shower their blessings upon 
us. If we would obtain and enjoy them, we 
must labor for them — earn them. They are 
only secured as the well-merited reward of a 
pure and useful life ! 

The first thing to be aimed at by the 
young, should be the establishment of a 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 13 

good chaeactee. In all their plans, antici- 
pations, and prospects for future years, this 
should form the grand starting-point !— the 
chief corner-stone ! It should be the founda- 
tion of every hope and thought of prosperity 
and happiness in days to come. It is the 
only basis on which such a hope can mature 
to full fruition. A good character, estab- 
lished in the season of youth, becomes a rich 
and productive moral soil to its possessor. 
Planted therein, the "Tree of Life" will 
spring forth in a vigorous growth. Its roots 
will strike deep and strong, in such a soil, 
and draw thence the utmost vigor and fruit- 
fulness. Its trunk will grow up in majes- 
tic proportions — its wide-spreading branches 
will be clothed with a green luxuriant 
foliage, " goodly to look upon" — -the most 
beautiful of blossoms will in due time, blush 
on every twig— and at length each limb and 
bough shall bend beneath the rich, golden 
fruit, ready to drop into the hand. Beneath 
its grateful shade you can find rest and 
repose, when the heat and burden of life 



14 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

come upon you. And of its delicious fruit, 
you can pluck and eat, and obtain refresh- 
ment and strength, when the soul becomes 
wearied with labor and care, or the weight 
of years. Would you behold such a tree ? 
Remember it grows alone on the soil of a 
good reputation ! ! Labor to prepare such a 
soil. 

Believe not, ye youthful, that God has 
made the path of virtue and religion hard 
and thorny. Believe not he has overhung 
it with dark clouds, and made it barren of 
fruit and beauty. Believe not that rugged 
rocks, and briers, and brambles, choke the 
way, and lacerate the limbs of those who 
would walk therein ! No ! he has made it 
a smooth and peaceful path — an easy and 
pleasant way.— " Wisdom's ways are ways of 
pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." 

The young who overlook these considera- 
tions — who lay their plans, and cherish their 
expectations, in reference to their future 
career, without any regard to the importance 
of a good character — who, hi marking out 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 15 

their course, lose sight of the necessity of 
laboring to establish a worthy reputation to 
commence with — -who, in building their hopes 
of success and happiness, are not convinced 
that " a good name" is the only foundation 
on which such hopes can legitimately rest — 
have commenced wrong. They have made a 
radical and lamentable mistake at the outset. 
A mistake, which, unless speedily corrected, 
will prove most disastrous in all its influences, 
and be keenly felt and deplored throughout 
life. 

Those who fall into error on this point, 
who view a good reputation as a matter of 
no moment — well enough if you can secure 
it without much trouble, but not worth 
laboring for, with zeal and perseverance — 
have placed themselves in a most critical 
position. They are like a ship in the midst 
of the wide wastes of ocean, without chart 
compass, or rudder, liable to be turned hither 
and thither by every fickle wind that blows, 
and dashed upon dangerous reefs by the 
heaving billows. Failing to see the impor- 



16 LECTUUES TO YOUTH. 

tance of establishing a good character, they 
fall easy victims to sinful temptations, and, 
ere long, verging farther and farther from the 
path of rectitude, they at length find every 
fond hope, every fair prospect, blasted for life. 

To a young man, a good character is the 
best capital he can possess, to start with in 
life. It is much better, and far more to be 
depended on than gold. Although money 
may aid in establishing a young man in 
business, under favorable circumstances, yet 
without a good character he cannot succeed. 
His want of reputation will undermine the 
best advantages, and failure, and ruin, will, 
sooner or later, overtake him with unerring 
certainty ! ! 

When it is known that a young man is 
well-informed, industrious, attentive to busi- 
ness, economical, strictly temperate, and 
moral, a respecter of the Sabbath, the Bible, 
and religion, he cannot fail to obtain the 
good opinion and the confidence of the w^hole 
community. He will have friends on every 
hand, who will take pleasure in encouraging 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 17 

and assisting him. The wise and good will 
bestow their commendation upon him ; and 
parents will point to him as an example for 
their children to imitate. Blessed with 
health, such a youth cannot fail of success 
and permanent happiness. 

But let it be known that a young man is 
ignorant or indolent, that he is neglectful of 
business, or dishonest; that he is given to 
intemperance, or disposed to visit places of 
dissipation, or to associate with vicious com- 
panions — and what are his prospects ? With 
either one or more of these evil qualifications 
fixed upon him, he is hedged out of the path 
of prosperity. To cover up such character- 
istics for a great length of time, is a moral 
impossibility. Remember this, I beg you. 
It is beyond the power of mortals to conceal 
vicious habits and propensities for any long 
period. And when once discovered, who will 
repose confidence in such a youth? Who 
will trust him, or encourage him, or counte- 
nance him? Who will give him employ- 
ment? Who will confide anything to his 



18 LECTURES TO YOUTH, 

oversight ? Who will render him assistance 
in his business affairs, when he is strait- 
ened and in need of the aid of friends ? 
Behold his prospects ! How unpromising, 
how dark ! ! It is impossible for such a young 
man to succeed. No earthly power can confer 
prosperity upon him. He himself under- 
mines his own welfare, blackens his own 
name, and dashes down the cup of life which 
a wise and good Providence has kindly 
placed to his lips, and calls upon him to 
drink. 

If a good character, a spotless reputation, 
is all-essential to the prosperity of a young 
man, what must it not be to a young woman ? 
A well-established character for morality and 
virtue is of great importance to people of 
every class, and in all circumstances. But to 
a young lady, a " good name" is a priceless 
jewel. It is everything — literally, eveey- 
thetc — to her. It will give her an attrac- 
tion, a value, an importance, in the estima- 
tion of others, which nothing else can impart. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 19 

In possession of a spotless character, she may 
reasonably hope for peace and happiness. 
But without such a character, she is nothing ! 
Youth, beauty, dress, accomplishments, all 
gifts and qualities will be looked upon as 
naught, when tainted by a suspicious repu- 
tation ! Nothing can atone for this, nothing 
can be allowed to take its place, nothing can 
give charm and attraction where it exists. 
When the character of a young woman is 
gone — all is gone ! Thenceforward she can 
look for naught else but degradation and 
wretchedness. 

The reputation of a young woman is of 
the most delicate texture. It requires not 
overt acts of actual wickedness to tarnish its 
brightness, and cast suspicion on its purity. 
Indiscreet language, careless deportment, a 
want of discrimination in regard to asso- 
ciates, even when no evil is done, or intended, 
will often bring into question her character, 
greatly to her injury. Many are the instances 
where a single word, spoken at random, in 
the giddy thoughtlessness of youthful vivacity, 



20 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

without the slighest thought of "wrong, has 
cast a shadow upon the character of a young 
woman which it required years to efface. 
How important that every word uttered, and 
every deed performed, should be maturely 
weighed. A discreet lady will not only be 
careful to avoid evil itself, but will studiously 
refrain from everything which has even the 
appearance of evil. 

" Whatever dims thy sense of truth, 
Or stains thy purity, 
Though light as breath of summer air, 
Count it as sin to thee." 

Young women frequently err in their 
understanding of what it is that gives them 
a good name, and imparts their chief attrac- 
tion. Many seem to imagine that good 
looks, a gay attire, in the extreme of fashion, 
and a few showy attainments, constitute 
ererything essential to make them interesting 
and attractive, and to establish a high rep- 
utation in the estimation of the other sex. 
Hence they seek for no other attainments. 
In this, they make a radical mistake. The 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 21 

charms contained in these qualities, are very 
shallow, very worthless, and very uncertain. 
There can no dependence be placed upon 
them. 

If there is one point more than another, in 
this respect, where young ladies err, it is in 
regard to Dkess. There are not a few who 
suppose that dress is the most important 
thing for which they have been created, and 
that it forms the highest attraction of woman. 
Under this mistaken notion — this poor in- 
fatuation — they plunge into every extrava- 
gance in their attire; and, in this manner, 
squander sums of money, which would be 
much more profitably expended in storing 
their minds with useful knowledge, or, in 
some cases, even in procuring the ordinary 
comforts of life. 

There is a secret on this point I would 
like to divulge to young women. It is this — 
That any dress, which from its oddness, or 
its extreme of fashion and display, is calcu- 
lated to attract very particular attention, is 
worn at the expense of the good name of its 



22 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

possessor. It raises tliein in the estimation of 
none ; but deprives them of the good opinion 
of all sensible people. It gives occasion for 
suspicion, not only of their good sense, but 
of their habits of economy. When a young 
woman is given to extravagant displays in 
dress, it is but publishing to the world, her 
own consciousness of a want of other attrac- 
tions of a more substantial nature. It is but 
virtually saying, " I seek to excite attention 
by my dress, because I have no other good 
quality by which I can secure attention." 

Could a young woman who passes through 
the streets decked out extravagantly in all 
that the milliner and dress-maker can furnish, 
realize the unfavorable impression she makes 
upon sensible young men — could she but see 
the curl of the lip, and hear the contemp- 
tuous epithet which her appearance excites, 
and know how utterly worthless they esteem 
her — she would hasten to her home, throw 
off her foolish attire, and weep tears of 
bitterness at her folly. 

Parents are often much to be blamed for 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 23 

this indiscretion in their daughters. They 
should give them better advice ; and instruct 
them to cultivate other and worthier attrac- 
tions than the poor gewgaws of deess ! Do 
they not know that the worthless and aban- 
doned of the female sex dress the most gaily 
and fashionably? Should they not urge 
their daughters to seek for a higher excel- 
lency, a more creditable distinction than 
this? 

Here is another secret for young ladies : — 
All the attraction they can ever possess by 
means of dress, will be derived from three 
sources, viz. Plainness, Neatness, and Ap- 
propriateness. In whatever they deviate 
from these cardinal points, they will to the 
same degree make themselves ridiculous — 
weaken their influence, and lose the good 
opinion of those they are the most anxious to 
win. I beg these truths to be impressed 
deeply on the mind. 

Dress, personal beauty, and showy accom- 
plishments, go but a short way to establish 
the reputation on which the happiness of 



24 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

woman really depends. Instead of placing 
reliance on these, they should seek to culti- 
vate those qualities, habits, and dispositions, 
which will give permanent merit and value, 
in tlie estimation of those whose attention 
and regard they are desirous to cultivate. A 
sweet and gentle disposition — a mild and for- 
giving temper — a respectful and womanly 
demeanor — a mind cultivated, and well- 
stored with useful knowledge— a thorough 
practical acquaintance with all domestic du- 
ties ; (the sphere where woman can exhibit 
her highest attractions, and her most valu- 
able qualities,) tastes, habits, and views of 
life, drawn not from the silly novels of the 
day, but from a discriminating judgment, 
and the school of a well-learned practical ex- 
perience in usefulness and goodness :— these 
are the elements of a good name, a valuable 
reputation in a young woman. They are 
more to be sought for, and more to be de- 
pended upon, than any outward qualification. 
They form an attraction which will win the 
regard and affection of the wise and enlight- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 25 

ened, where the fascinations of dress, and 
other worthless accomplishments, would 
prove utterly powerless. 

I desire the young, of both sexes, to re- 
member that it is one thing not to have a 
bad reputation, but quite another thing to 
have a good one. The fact that an individual 
does nothing criminal, or offensive, although 
creditable in itself considered, does not be- 
stow the amount of merit after which all 
should seek. They may do nothing particu- 
larly bad, and nothing very good. It is 
meritorious to refrain from evil; but it is 
better still to achieve something by active 
exertion, which shall deserve commendation. 
The Apostle exhorts us not only to " cease 
to do evil," but to " learn to do well." The 
young, while striving to avoid the evils of a 
bad reputation, should assiduously seek for 
the advantages of a good one. 

How can the young secure a good charac- 
ter ? Its worth, its importance, its blessings, 
we have seen. Now, how can it be obtained ? 
This is a question, worthy the serious con- 



26 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

sideration of every youth. Let ine say in 
reply:— 

1. That a good cliaracter cannot "be inher- 
ited, as the estate of a father descends to his 
heirs. However respectable and worthy pa- 
rents may be, their children cannot share in 
that respect, unless they deserve it by their 
own merits. Too many youth, it is to be 
apprehended, are depending upon their pa- 
rents' reputation as well as their parents' 
property, for their own standing and success 
in life. This is an insecure foundation. In 
our republican land, every individual is 
estimated by his or her own conduct, and 
not by the reputation of their connections. 
It is undoubtedly an advantage in many 
points of view, for a young person to have 
respectable parents. But if they would in- 
herit their parents' good name, they must 
imitate their parents' virtues. 

2. A good character cannot be purchased 
with gold. Though a man or a woman may 
have all the wealth of the Indies, yet it can- 
not secure a worthy name — it cannot buy 



la ma/HHmi m 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 27 

the esteem of the wise and good, without 
the merit which deserves it. The glitter of 
gold cannot conceal an evil and crabbed dis- 
position, a selfish soul, a corrupt heart, or 
vile passions and propensities. Although 
the sycophantic may fawn around such as 
possess wealth, and bow obsequiously before 
them, on account of their riches, yet, in fact, 
they are despised and contemned in the 
hearts even of their hangers-on and followers. 
3. A good character cannot be obtained by 
simply wishing for it. The Creator has wisely 
provided, that the desire for a thing does 
not secure it. Were it to be thus, our world 
would soon present a strange aspect. It is, 
undoubtedly, much better that it should be 
as it is. We have the privilege to wish for 
whatever we please ; but we can secure 
only that which we labor for and deserve. 
Were the traveller to stand throughout the 
day, at the foot of the hill, wishing to be at 
the summit, his simple desire would not 
place him there. He must allow his wishes 
to prompt him to proper exertion. It is only 



28 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

by persevering industry, and patient toil, 
contented to take one step at a time, tliat his 
wish is gratified, and lie finds himself at 
length npon the brow of the eminence. 

In like manner, the youthful, to obtain 
possession of a good character, must earn it. 
It must be sought for, by an earnest cultiva- 
tion of all the graces and virtues, which are 
commended by God and man. It cannot be 
secured in a moment. As the edifice is erect- 
ed by diligently laying one stone upon 
another, until it finally becomes a splendid 
temple, piercing the heavens with its glitter- 
ing spire, so a good name must be built up 
by good deeds, faithfully and constantly per- 
formed, as day after day carries us along 
amid the affairs of life. 

Let the youthful fix their eyes upon this 
prize of a good reputation — the only end 
worth striving for in life. Let them studi- 
ously avoid evil practices, corrupt associates, 
and vicious examples. Let them patiently 
and faithfully lay the foundations of virtuous 
habits, and practise the lessons of wisdom 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 29 

and the precepts of religion — and in due time 
the prize shall be theirs. The spotless 
wreath of a virtuous character shall rest upon 
their brow. The commendation, the confi- 
dence, and the good-will of man shall accom- 
pany them ; and the choicest of the blessings 
of God shall rest upon them, and sweeten all 
their days. 



LECTURE II. 

"The heart of him that hath understanding, seeketh knowledge."— ProY. xv. 14. 



*HE practical wisdom of Solo- 
mon is seen in this simple 
precept. The youthful, who 
have the slightest understand- 
ing of the journey of life — 
who have been impressed, 
even in the smallest degree, with 
the perils to which they are ex- 
posed ; the trials to he endured ; 
the vicissitudes through which 
they must necessarily pass ; the ob- 
stacles they must overcome; the 
deceptions and allurements they will 
have to detect and withstand — cannot fail 




LECTURES TO YOUTH. 31 

to acknowledge the wisdom of seeking for 
knowledge to enlighten and prepare for 
the exigencies which await the inexperienced 
traveller through this world's wayward 
scenes. 

Those who commence their career without 
forethought, or discrimination in regard to 
the moral principles by which they will be 
governed, and without selecting the best and 
safest path of the many which open before 
them, are involved in a blindness of the most 
pitiable description. They would not mani- 
fest this want of discretion on matters of 
much less importance. The commander of 
the ship does not venture his voyage to sea 
without his compass, his chart, and a full 
supply of stores. We would not sail an hour 
with him, if we believed him ignorant or in- 
different to the necessity of these important 
preparations. How hazardous, how foolish 
the youth who launches away on the momen- 
tous voyage of life, without compass, or 
chart, or any preparation which extends be- 
yond the present moment. True, the ship 



32 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

destitute of all these essentials, may leave the 
harbor in safety, with her gay pennons fly- 
ing, her swelling sails filled with a favorable 
breeze, a smiling sun above, a smooth sea be- 
neath, and all the outward indications of a 
prosperous voyage. But follow her a few 
hours, The terrific storm-king spreads 
abroad his misty pinions, and goes forth in 
fury, ploughing up the waters into mountain 
billows, and shrieking for his prey. The 
gloomy night settles down upon the bosom 
of the mighty deep, and spreads its dark pall 
over sea and sky. Muttering thunders stun 
the ear, and the lightning's vivid flash lights 
up the terrific scene, and reveals all its inde- 
scribable horrors. Where now is the gay ship 
which ventured forth without needful prepa- 
ration ? Behold her, tossed to and fro by 
the angry waves. All on board are in alarm ! 
The fierce winds drive her on, they know 
not whither. Hark to that fearful roar ! It 
is the fatal breakers ! Hard up the helm ! 
Put the ship about ! See, on every hand 
frowns the fatal lee-shore ! Pull taught 



LECTUHES TO YOUTH. 33 

each rope— spread every sail. It is in vain ! 
Throw out the anchors ! Haste ! strain 
every nerve ! Alas ! It is all too late. The 
danger cannot be escaped. On drifts the 
fated craft. Now she mounts the crest of 
an angry wave, which hurries forward with 
its doomed burthen. Now she dashes against 
the craggy points of massive rocks, and sinks 
into the raging deep. One loud, terrific wail 
is heard, and all is silent ! On the rising of 
the morrow's sun, the spectator beholds the 
beach and the neighboring waters strewn 
with broken masts, rent sails, and drifting 
fragments — all that remains of the proud 
ship which yesterday floated so gaily on the 
ocean waters ! ! 

Behold, O ye youthful, a picture of the 
fate of those who rush upon the career of life, 
without forethought or preparation, and with- 
out the light of well-selected moral principles 
to guide them. All may appear fair and 
promising at the outset, and for a season. 
But before many years can elapse, the pros- 
pects of such youth must be overclouded ; 
2* 



34 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

and ere long disappointment, overthrow, dis- 
grace and ruin, will be the closing scenes of 
a life, commenced in so much blindness. 

" "Well begun is half done," was one of Dr. 
Franklin's sound maxims. A career well 
begun — a life commenced properly, with wise 
forecast, with prudent rules of action, and 
under the influence of sound and pure, moral 
and religious principles — is an advance, half- 
way at least, to ultimate success and pros- 
perity. Such a commencement will not, it 
is true, insure you against the misfortunes 
which are incident to earthly existence. But 
if persevered in, it will guard you against the 
long catalogue of evils, vexatious penalties 
and wretchedness, which are the certain fruit 
of a life of immorality ; and will bestow upon 
you all the real enjoyments, within the 
earthly reach of man. 

As people advance in years, they perceive 
more and more the importance of commen- 
cing life properly. 

See that wretched outcast! Poor and 
miserable, shunned by all but depraved asso- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 35 

ciates, lie drags out the worthless remnant 
of Ms days. Does lie think he has acted 
wisely ? Hark to his soliloquy — " Oh, could 
I begin life again — could I but live my days 
over once more — how different the course I 
would pursue. Instead of rushing on blindly 
and heedlessly, without forethought or care, 
and allowing myself to become an easy prey 
to temptation and sin, I would reflect ma- 
turely, and choose wisely, the path for my 
footsteps. Faithfully would I search for the 
way of virtue, honesty, sobriety, and good- 
ness, and strictly would I walk therein P The 
opportunity he so eagerly covets, and to 
obtain which he would deem no sacrifice too 
great, is now before every youth in the as- 
sembly. 

This thought is beautifully elaborated in 
the following allegory : 

u It was midnight of the new year, and an 
aged man stood thoughtfully at the window. 
He gazed with a long, despairing look, upon 
the fixed, eternal, and glorious heaven, and 
down upon the silent, still, and snow-white 



36 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

earth, whereon was none so joyless, so sleep- 
less as he. For his grave stood open near 
him ; it was covered only with the snows of 
age, not decked with the green of youth ; 
and he brought with him, from a long and 
rich life, nothing save errors, crimes, and 
sickness — a wasted body, a desolate soul, a 
breast filled with poison, and an old age 
heavy with repentance and sorrow. The fair 
days of his youth at this hour, arose like 
spectres before his mind, and carried him 
back to the bright morning, when his father 
had first planted him at the starting-point of 
life ; whence, to the right, the way conducts 
along the sunny path of virtue, to a wide and 
peaceful land, a land of light, rich in the har- 
vest of good deeds, and full of the joy of 
angels ; whilst, to the left, the road descends 
to the molehills of vice, toward a dark cav- 
ern, full of poisonous droppings, stinging ser- 
pents, and dank and steaming mists. 

"The serpents clung around his breast, 
and the drops of poison lay upon his tongue, 
and he knew not where he was. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 37 

u Senseless and in unutterable anguish, his 
cry went forth to heaven : ' Grant me but 
youth again ! O, father, place me but once 
again upon the starting-point of life, that I 
may choose otherwise !' 

"But his father and his youth were far 
away. He beheld wandering lights dance 
upon the marshes, and disappear upon the 
graveyards; and he exclaimed, 'These are 
my days of folly P 

"He beheld a star shoot through the 
heaven, and vanish : it glimmered as it fell, 
and disappeared upon the earth. ' Such, too, 
am I !' whispered his bleeding heart ; and 
the serpent-tooth of remorse struck afresh 
into its wounds. 

" His heated fancy pictured to him night- 
wandering forms slow-creeping upon the 
house-tops ; the windmill raised its arm, and 
threatened to fell him to the earth ; and in 
the tenantless house of death, the only re- 
maining mask assumed imperceptibly his 
own features. 

" At once, in the midst of this delirium, 



38 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

the sounds from the steeple, welcoming the 
new year, fell upon his ear, like distant 
church music. 

" He was moved, "but to a gentler mood. 
He gazed around, unto the horizon, and 
looked forth upon the wide earth ; and he 
thought of the friends of his youth, who, 
happier and better than he, were now teach- 
ers upon the earth, fathers of happy children, 
and blessed each in his condition. 

" ' Alas ! and I, too, like ye, might now be 
sleeping peacefully and tearless through this 
first night of the year, had I willed so ! I 
too might have been happy, ye dear parents, 
had I fulfilled your new-year's wishes and 
admonitions P 

" In the feverish reminiscences of his youth, 
it seemed to him as if the mask which had 
assumed his features in the house of death 
arose, and grew into a living youth, and his 
former blooming figure stood before him in 
the bitter mockery of illusion. 

a He could look no longer; he hid his 
eyes, a flood of hot tears streamed forth and 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 39 

were lost in the snow. And lie sighed, now 
more gently, and despairing, 'Return but 
again, O youth, come once again P 

" And youth did return ; for he had but 
dreamed thus fearfully in the new-year's 
night. He was still young ; but his sinful 
wanderings, they had been no dream ; and 
he thanked God that he could yet turn from 
the miry ways of vice, and again choose the 
sunny path which leadeth unto the pure land 
of the harvest of righteousness. 

" Turn thou with him, young man, if thou 
standest upon his path of error. This fear- 
ful dream will in a future be thy judge ; but 
shouldst thou ever exclaim, in the bitterness 
of remorse, 4 Return, fair time of youth !' — 
youth will not come when thou dost call for 
her." 

It is much easier to start right and keep 
right, than to start wrong, and then endeavor 
to get right. Although those who take the 
wrong path at the commencement, should 
afterwards seek to obtain the right one, and 
persevere until they find it, still the labor to 



40 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

retrieve tlie early error will be difficult. It 
is painful to walk in tlie way of wickedness 
— it is painful to break away from it, wlien 
once there. It is painful to continue on — it 
is painful to turn back. This is in conse- 
quence of the natw*e of sin. It is a path all 
evil, all pain, all darkness — everything con- 
nected with it is fruitful of wretchedness. 
Those who stray therein, find themselves be- 
set with perils and troubles on all sides. 
Avoid it, as you love happiness ! 



"Ne'er till to-morrow's light delay 
What may as well be done to-day ; 
Ne'er do to-day, what on the morrow 
Will wring your heart w T ith sighs and sorrow." 



A young man may, in early life, fall into 
vicious habits, and afterwards turn from 
them. Some have done so. But they de- 
clare that the struggles they were compelled 
to make — the conflicts and trials, the buffet- 
ing of evil passions, and the mental agony 
they endured, in breaking away, were ter- 
rible beyond description. "Where one, who 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 41 

has fallen into "bad habits in youth, has after- 
wards abandoned them, there are a score who 
have continued their victims, until ruin, and 
a premature death, closed their career. How 
much safer, how much easier and pleasanter, 
how much more promising and hopeful, to 
commence life with good habits well estab- 
lished, with high principles, sound maxims, 
enlightened rules of conduct, deeply fixed in 
the soul. This is a plain, pleasant, prosper- 
ous path — readily found, and easily followed. 
In no other can you secure true enjoyment. 

" We cannot live too slowly to be good 
And happy, nor too much by line and square. 
But youth is burning to forestall its nature, 
And will not wait for time to ferry it 
Over the stream ; but flings itself into 
The flood and perishes. ******* 
The first and worst of all frauds is to cheat 
Oneself. ************" 

There is nothing more essential to the 
young than to accustom themselves to ma- 
ture reflection, and practical observation, in 
regard to the duties of life, and the sources 
of human enjoyment. This is a task, how- 



42 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

ever, which but few of the youthful are in- 
clined to undertake. The most of them are 
averse to giving up their thoughts to sober 
meditation on the consequences which accrue 
from different courses of conduct, or to prac- 
tical observation on the lessons taught by 
the experience of others. The Present!— 
the Present ! — its amusements, its gayeties, its 
fashions, absorbs nearly all their thoughts. 
They have little relish to look towards the 
future, except to anticipate the continuance 
of the novelty and joyousness of the spring- 
time of life. The poet utters a most salu- 
tary admonition in his beautiful lines : 

" The beam of the morning, the bud of the Spring, 
The promise of beauty and brightness may bring; 
But clouds gather darkness, and touched by the frost, 
The pride of the plant, and the morning are lost. 
Thus the bright and the beautiful ever decay- 
Life's morn and life's flowers, oh, they quick pass away!" 

I would not cast one unnecessary shadow 
on the pathway of the young; but they 
should be often reminded, that the season of 
youth, with its romance and light-hearted- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 43 

ness, soon, too soon, departs ! Spring, with 
its budding beauties, and fragrant blossoms, 
does not continue all the year. It is speed- 
ily followed by the fervid summer, the ma- 
ture and sober autumn, and the dreary snows 
of winter. In order to liave thriving and 
promising fields in summer, rich and abund- 
ant harvests in autumn, and bountiful sup- 
plies for comfort and repose in winter, " good 
seed" must be sowed in the spring. So, also, 
if you would have the summer of life fruitful 
of prosperity — its autumn yield a rich and 
bountiful harvest, and the winter of old age 
made comfortable and peaceful — the good 
seed of pure habits, and sound moral and re- 
ligious principles, must be carefully sowed in 
the rich soil of the heart, in the budding 
spring-time of youth. 

Due observation and reflection will enable 
the young to sow the right kind of seed at the 
right time. There is much in this. Those 
who sow late will be likely to have their 
harvest blighted by chilling rains and nip- 
ping frosts. The earlier the seed is cast into 



44 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

the ground, the greater the certainty that it 
will produce an abundant crop. Reflection 
and discrimination are all-essential to the 
youthful. Those who think deeply will act 
wisely. They will detect and avoid the 
clangers which beset their pathway, and into 
which the thoughtless so easily fall. They 
will readily penetrate the specious appear- 
ance, the harmless aspect, the deceptive veil, 
which vice and immorality can so readily 
assume. They will understand the old 
maxim, that a all is not gold that glitters." 
This is a simple truth, and yet how few of 
the young practise upon it. See this young 
man. How easily he gives way to tempta- 
tion — how readily he is led astray. "Why 
does he thus turn aside from virtue's path ? 
"Why thus trample upon the affectionate 
counsel and admonition of wise parents and 
kind friends? Ah! he sees a glittering 
bauble in the way of sin, and imagines it is 
the shining of the gold of true and solid hap- 
piness. Eagerly he presses on to secure the 
prize. He plunges into the wickedness to 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 45 

which, it tempts him — he seizes the dazzling 
treasure, and finds — what? Pure gold? — 
true delight ? — unalloyed happiness ? Alas, 
foolish youth ! No ! That which he took 
for the glitter of gold, proves to be worthless 
ashes in his hand. And the high pleasure 
he was anticipating, results in naught but 
disappointment, disgrace, wretchedness. 

" Teach me the flattering paths to shun, 
In which the thoughtless many run ; 
Who for a shade the substance miss, 
And grasp their ruin in their bliss." 

A well-established habit of practical ob- 
servation, enables the youthful to guard 
against the mistakes of conduct, into which 
others have fallen, and to make the short- 
comings of their fellow-beings, salutary ad- 
monitions for their own instruction. When 
thoughtful, observing young persons, see an 
individual do a mean, unmanly action, they 
will reflect much upon it. They will notice 
how contemptible it makes him appear — 
how it degrades him in the estimation of the 
honorable and high-minded — how it belittles 



46 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

him in the view of society at large — and how 
unworthy it makes him appear even in his 
own eyes. These observations, if faithfully 
made, will guard them against like acts 
themselves. 

"When they behold one arraigned at the 
bar of public justice, to answer to the of- 
fended laws of his country, they will make it 
a salutary lesson of instruction. They will 
realize the deceptive and ruinous nature of 
wrong-doing — how, while promising them 
the very elixir of happiness, it pours naught 
but bitterness and poison into the cup of 
life, entailing degradation and wretchedness 
upon its victims. They will become satisfied 
of the solemn truth of the words of the Most 
High, that " though hand join in hand, the 
wicked shall not be unpunished. 5 ' 

When they see neighbors, who might pro- 
mote each other's enjoyments, by living 
peaceably together, fall out in regard to 
some trivial misunderstanding, and engage 
in angry disputes, and a bitter warfare, dis- 
turbing the harmony of the neighborhood, 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 47 

and destroying their own happiness — the 
young who exercise practical observation, 
will be instructed, to avoid similar troubles 
in their own affairs. They will realize the 
folly and blindness of such a course, and the 
necessity of exercising a forbearing and for- 
giving spirit, and the wisdom of submitting to 
injuries, if need be, rather than to become 
involved in angry recriminations and hostil- 
ities. 

Thus by a constant habit of observation 
and reflection, the youthful can turn the fail- 
ings of others to their own account. As the 
industrious bee extracts honey from the most 
nauseous substances, so can the thoughtful 
and observing draw instruction not only 
from the example of the wise, but from 
the folly of the wicked ! 

In preparations for future usefulness and 
success, the young should establish certain 
fixed principles of moral conduct, by which 
they will be steadfastly governed in all their 
intercourse with the world. "Without some 
well-defined landmarks, by which they can 



48 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

be guided in emergencies, when everything 
depends on the course of conduct to be pur- 
sued, they will be in imminent peril. Temp- 
tations are strewed along the pathway of the 
young, and assail them at every turn. If 
they could clearly contemplate the effects of 
giving way to temptation — were all the un- 
happy consequences to stand out visibly be- 
fore them — they would never be induced to 
turn aside into sin. Could the young man as 
he is tempted to quaff the fashionable glass 
of intoxicating beverage, see plainly the 
ignominious life, the poverty and wretched- 
ness, and the horrid death by delirium tre- 
mens, to which it so often leads, he would 
set it down untasted, and turn away in alarm. 
But it is the nature of temptation to blind 
and deceive the unwary, and lead them into 
sin, by false representations of the happiness 
to be derived from it. Hence the young 
need to establish, in their calm, cool moments, 
when under the influence of mature judgment 
and enlightened discretion, certain fixed rules 
of conduct, by which they will be governed, 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 49 

and on which they -wall depend in every hour 
of temptation. 

One of the first and most important rules 
of life which should be established by the 
youthful, is the constant cultivation of purity 
of heart. This is the great safeguard of the 
young. It is their brightest jewel — their 
most attractive ornament — the crowning glo- 
ry of their character and being. It adds 
a captivating lustre to all charms of whatever 
description ; and without it all other ex- 
cellencies are lost in perpetual darkness. It 
should be a fixed rule, never to violate the 
dictates of purity either in action, language, 
or thought. Many imagine it is a matter of 
small moment what their thoughts may be, 
so long as in action they do not transgress 
the requirements of virtue. This, however, 
is a serious error. The outward action is 
but the expression of the inward thought. 
Wicked deeds would never have birth, were 
they not first prompted by wicked desires. 
Hence if the young would have their words 
and deeds characterized by purity, they must 



50 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

see that their hearts and thoughts are con- 
stantly pure. 

" Pure thoughts are angel visitants ! Be such 
The frequent inmates of thy guileless breast. 
They hallow all things by their sacred touch, 
And ope the portals of the land of rest." 

The heart is the source of all actions. A 
dark, muddy fountain cannot send forth clear 
waters. Neither does a pure fountain send 
forth muddy waters. A foul heart, the re- 
ceptacle of unclean thoughts and impure 
passions, is a corrupt well-spring of action, 
which leads to every vicious practice. Let 
the hearts of the youthful be pure as crys- 
tal, let their thoughts be sanctified by vir- 
tue and holiness ; and their lives shall be 
as white and spotless as the driven snow- 
winning the admiration of all who know 
them. With purity as a shield, they are 
doubly guarded against sin. However en- 
ticing temptation may be — however artfully 
or strongly it may assail them — they are 
prepared to rise above it, in any and every 
emergency. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 51 

Another of the fixed rules of conduct 
should be to aim high in all the purposes of 
life. The great obstacle to success with many 
of the young, is, that they adopt no standard 
of action for their government; but allow 
themselves to float along the current of time 
like a mere straw on the surface of the waters, 
liable to be veered about by every puff of 
wind and whirling eddy. If the current in 
which they float happens to waft them into 
the smooth waters, and the calm sunshine of 
virtue and respectability, it is a matter of 
mere fortunate chance. If they are drawn 
into the dark stream of sin, they have but 
little power to resist, and are soon hurried 
into the surging rapids, and hurled over the 
boiling cataract of ruin! True, they may 
not utterly perish even in plunging down the 
cataract. They may possibly seize hold of 
some jutting rock below, and by a desperate 
effort drag themselves from the raging waters. 
But they will come forth bruised, -bleeding, 
strangling, and half-drowned, to mourn the 
folly of their thoughtlessness. How much 



52 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

wiser and better to have taken early pre- 
caution, and guarded in the first place against 
the insidious current, which compelled them 
to purchase wisdom at so dear a rate. 

To avoid this great folly, the youthful 
should establish a fixed purpose for life. 
They should set their mark, as to what they 
wish to become ; and then make it the great 
labor of their lives to attain it. And let 
that mark be a high one. You cannot make 
it too elevated. The maxim of the ancients 
was, that although he who aims at the sun 
will not hit it, yet his arrows will fly much 
higher than though his mark was on the 
earth. A young man who should strive to 
be a second Washington or Jefferson, might 
not attain to their renown. But he would 
become a much greater and better man, than 
though he had only aspired to be the keeper 
of a gambling-house, or the leader of a gang 
of blacklegs. In all your purposes and 
plans of life, aim high ! 

"Again a light boat on a streamlet is seen, 
Where the banks are o'erladen with beautiful green, 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 53 

Like a mantle of velvet spread out to the sight, 

Reflects to the gazer a bright world of light. 

The fair bark has lost none of its beauty of yore, 

But a youth is within it, — the fair child before; 

And the Angel is gone — on the shore see him stand, 

As he bids him adieu with a wave of the hand. 

Ah ! a life is before thee — a life full of care, 

Gentle Youth, and mayhap thou wilt fall in its snare. 

Can thy bark speed thee now ? without wind, without tide ? 

Without the kind Angel, thy beautiful guide 1 

Ah ! no ; — then what lures thee, fair youth, to depart ? 

Must thou rush into danger from impulse of heart ? 

Lo ! above in the i bright arch of Heaven' I see 

The vision, the aim so alluring to thee : 

'Tis the temple of Fame, with its pillars so fair, 

And the Genius of Wisdom and Love reigneth there. 

Advance then, proud vessel, — thy burden is light, — 

Swift speed thee, and guide his young steps in the right ; 

For in life's ; fitful changes' are many dark streams, 

And paths unillumed by the sun's golden beams." 

Cherish self-respect. Have a deep regard 
for your own estimation of your own merits. 
Look with scorn and contempt upon low and 
vicious practices. Cultivate pride of character. 
I care not how proud the youthful are of 
all their valuable attainments, their correct 
habits, their excellings in that which is manly, 
useful, and good. The more pride of this 
description, the better. Though it should 
reach even to egotism and vanity, it is much 



54 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

better than no pride in these things. This 
pride in doing right is one of the preserving 
ingredients, the very salt of man's moral 
character, which prevents from plunging into 
vice. 

Live for something besides self. Build 
with your own hands the monument that 
shall perpetuate your memory, when the dust 
has claimed your body. Do good. Live for 
others, if you would be embalmed in their 
recollections. 

"Thousands of men breathe, move, and 
live — pass off the stage of life, and are 
heard of no more. Why! They did not 
a particle of good in the world ; and none 
were blessed by them; none could point 
to them as the instruments of their re- 
demption; not a line they wrote, not a 
word they spoke could be recalled, and so 
they perished ; their light went out in dark- 
ness, and they were not remembered more 
than the insects of yesterday. Will you 
thus live and die, O man immortal? Live 
for something. Do good, and leave behind 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 55 

you a monument of virtue that the storm of 
time can never destroy. Write your name 
by kindness, love, and mercy, on the hearts 
of the thousands you come in contact with 
year by year, and you will never be forgotten. 
No, your name — your deeds — will be as 
legible on the hearts you leave behind, as 
the stars on the brow of evening. Good 
deeds will shine as brightly on the earth as 
the stars of heaven." * 



" Up ! it is a glorious era ! 

Never yet has dawned its peer! 
Up, and work ! and then a nobler 

In the future shall appear. 
* Onward !' is the present's motto, 

To a larger, higher life ; 
1 Onward !' though the march be weary, 

Though unceasing be the strife. 

Pitch not here thy tent, for higher 

Doth the bright ideal shine, 
And the journey is not ended 

Till thou reach that height divine. 
Upward ! and above earth's vapors, 

Glimpses shall to thee be given, 
And the fresh and odorous breezes, 

Of the very hills of heaven." 



56 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

Among the fixed principles which, you 
should establish for your government, by no 
means overlook Honesty and Integrity. The 
poet never uttered a truer word than that 

" An honest man 's the noblest work of God." 

Honesty is approved and admired by God 
and man — by all in heaven, and by all on 
earth. Even the corrupt swindler, in his 
heart, respects an honest man, and stands 
abashed in his presence. 

In all your actions, in all your dealings, 
let strict and rigid honesty guide you. Never 
be tempted to swerve from its dictates, even 
in the most trivial degree. There will be 
strong allurements to entice you from this 
path. The appetite for gain — the voice of 
avarice — will often whisper that honesty 
may be violated to advantage. There will 
be times when it will seem that its dictates 
may be placed aside — that a little dishonesty 
will be greatly to your benefit. Believe not 
this syren song. This is the time you are in 
the most danger of being deceived to your 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 57 

serious injury. Although there may be occa- 
sions when you will seem actually to lose by 
adhering to honesty, yet you should not 
shrink a hair's breadth. Whatever you may 
lose, in a pecuniary point of view, at any 
time, by a strict submission to honesty, you 
will make up an hundred-fold in the long- 
run, by establishing and preserving a reputa- 
tion for integrity. Looking at it in simply a 
pecuniary point of view, community will 
give their countenance, their patronage, and 
business, much quicker to a man who has 
established a reputation for honesty, than to 
one who is known, or suspected of being 
fraudulent in his dealings. Every consider- 
ation which can bear upon the young, relig- 
ious, moral and pecuniary, unite to urge them 
to establish, in the outset of life, the rule of 
unswerving honesty and integrity, as their 
constant guide. Let it not be forgotten, that 
in every possible point of view, and in every 
conceivable condition of things, it will always 
be true, that " Honesty is the best policy." 
I would have the young also cultivate and 
3* 



58 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

establish as a fixed rule of life, a friendly and 
accommodating disposition. This is all-essen- 
tial to make their days pleasant and happy. 
Other virtues will influence the world to re- 
spect you ; but an affectionate disposition will 
cause those with whom you have intercourse, 
to love you. Those who wish the friendship 
and good will of others, must themselves 
manifest a friendly disposition, and a spirit 
of kindness. Whoever would be accommo- 
dated and assisted, must themselves be ac- 
commodating, and ready to aid those who 
require it. In all these things we see the 
wisdom of the Saviour's golden rule — "All 
things whatsoever ye would that men should 
do unto you, do ye even so unto them." Be 
kind, accommodating, loving, and peaceful, 
in the whole current of your disposition, and 
the cup of your life will be sweetened with 
peace and joy. 

I exhort the young to adopt the noble 
motto of the coat-of-arms of New York — 
" Excelsior !" 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 59 

" The shades of night were falling fast, 
As through an Alpine village passed 
A youth, who bore, 'mid snow and ice, 
A banner with the strange device, 
Excelsior !" 

Let it be the aim of every youth to lift aloffc 
this glorious banner, and soar upward to a 
surpassing excellency. Let them seek to 
excel in all things high and good. Let them 
never stoop to do an evil act, nor degrade 
themselves to commit a wrong. But in their 
principles, purposes, deeds, and words, let 
their great characteristics be Truth, Good- 
ness, and Usefulness ! 

" Be just and fear not ! 
Let all the ends thou aim'st at, be thy country's, 
Thy God's, and Truth's!" 



LECTURE III. 

liUrtum nf Starlafea. 



"Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them; 
for their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief." — Prov. 
xxiv. lj 2. 




jHEEE is nothing more impor- 
tant to the youthful, or that 
should receive more serious 
consideration at their. hands, 
than the selection of Asso- 
ciates. We are by nature 
social beings. We desire, we 
seek, and enjoy, the society of 
our fellow-creatures. This trait 
is strongly developed in the 
young. They yearn for each other's 
companionship, and they must have 
it, or they pine away, and sink into 
misanthropy. This disposition may properly 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 61 

be indulged; but great care and prudence 
should be exercised in regard to it. 

While mingling in each other's society, it 
is natural, almost unavoidable, that the youth- 
ful should imbibe much of the leading char- 
acteristics of their associates. Being highly 
imitative in our nature, it is impossible to be 
on social and familiar terms with others, for 
any great length of time, without copying 
somewhat of their dispositions, ways, and 
habits. 

Let a young man, however upright and 
pure, associate habitually with those w r ho 
are profane, Sabbath-breaking, intemperate, 
and unprincipled — who are given to gam- 
bling, licentiousness, and every low, brutal 
and wicked practice — and but a brief space of 
time will elapse before he will fall into like hab- 
its himself, and become as great an adept in 
iniquitous proceedings as the most thorough- 
paced profligate among them. When a young 
woman associates with girls who are idle, dis- 
respectful and disobedient to parents — -who 
are vulgar, brazen-faced, loud talkers and 



62 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

laughers — whose chief occupation and de- 
light is to spin street-yarn, to run from house 
to house and store to store, and walk the 
streets in the evening, instead of being at 
home engaged in some useful occupation — 
whose whole conversation, and thoughts, and 
dreams, relate to dress, and fashion, and gew- 
gaws, and trinkets, to adorn the person, ut- 
terly negligent of the ornaments of the mind 
and heart — whose reading never extends to 
instructive and useful books, but is confined 
exclusively to sickly novels and silly love- 
stories ; — how long will it be before she will 
become as careless and good-for-nothing as 
they? 

This predisposition of the young to imitate 
the characteristics of those with whom they 
associate, has been so well and so long known, 
that it has given rise to the old proverb — 
" Show me your company, and I will show 
you your character." So perfectly did Solo- 
mon understand this, that he uttered the 
wise maxim — " Make no friendship with an 
angry man; and with a furious man thou 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 63 

shalt not go ; lest thou learn his ways, and 
get a snare to thy soul." 

The young should remember, that people 
will judge them by the company they keep. 
This principle is perfectly correct. In select- 
ing their associates, they act voluntarily. 
They choose such as they please. When 
they seek the society of the ignorant, the 
vulgar, the profane and profligate, they give 
the best of reasons for believing that they 
prefer profligacy and vulgarity to virtue and 
purity. To what other conclusion can the 
observer come ? If they preferred virtue 
and purity, they would certainly seek pure 
and virtuous associates. Hence society have 
adopted the very correct principle of judging 
the young by the character of their associ- 
ates. If they would be thought well of, they 
should strive to associate with those who 
are known to be virtuous and good. How- 
ever blameless and upright young persons 
may have been, if they begin to associate 
with those whose reputation is poor, and 
whose conduct is improper, they will soon 



64 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

be esteemed no higher than their compan- 
ions. 

These reflections show the youthful how 
important it is, that their associates should 
be of the right stamp. They should see the 
necessity of selecting their companions. The 
great difficulty with the young is, that they 
leave this important matter altogether too 
much to " chance." If they happen to fall 
into good company, it is very well; and 
their associates and intimate friends will be 
likely to be of that class. But if, unfortu- 
nately, they meet with the vicious and un- 
principled, and are, to any great extent, 
thrown in their way, they are as likely to 
form intimacies with them as with any 
others. 

Such negligence is exceedingly unpromis- 
ing and dangerous. Whoever allows it, will 
be in far more danger of falling under the 
influence of the vicious than the exemplary. 
Instead of this heedlessness, they should 
carefully and thoughtfully select their asso- 
ciates. They should not be willing to form 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 65 

terms of intimacy with every one into whose 
society they may be casually thrown. They 
should inform themselves of their tastes, hab- 
its, and reputation. And from the circle of 
their acquaintance should choose those with 
whom they would form terms of intimacy. 

Be cautious to select aright. The entire 
career in after-life depends very much on 
this. How many a young woman of fine at- 
tractions has had her reputation injured, and 
her prospects for life destroyed, by associat- 
ing with those whose character and habits 
proved to be bad. When once young wo- 
men get a taint on their reputation in this 
way, or in any other manner, it is exceed- 
ingly difficult to wipe it out. 

The ruin of multitudes of young men can 
be traced to the same origin — a bad selec- 
tion of associates. I have in my mind's eye 
now, a case in point. A young man, born 
in this city, and known to most of you, was 
naturally endowed with the rarest abilities 
and the finest talents. He belonged to one 
of the most wealthy and respectable families. 



66 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

He had every advantage for cultivation, and 
for the highest and most thorough education. 
Had he been thoughtful and wise to have 
improved his opportunities, the way was 
open for him to the highest advancement. 
He might have been blessed with respecta- 
bility, wealth, and honors. He could have 
risen to the most dignified positions in life. 
His voice might have been heard in strains 
of persuasive eloquence, from the sacred pul- 
pit, or in the halls of justice, or in the senate 
chamber of our state or national councils. 
He might have occupied a seat on the bench 
of the highest courts, or have aspired to the 
executive chair of the nation. But where is 
he now, and what are his circumstances and 
his position in the world ? See issuing from 
the door of yonder filthy groggery, a wretched 
specimen of humanity — the distorted carica- 
ture of a man! His garments are thread- 
bare and patched — his eyes are inflamed, 
sunken and watery — his countenance bloat- 
ed and livid — his limbs swelled and totter- 
ing. Although but in the morning of his 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 67 

manhood, yet the lines of premature old age 
and decrepitude are deeply carved upon his 
pale, dejected face ; and in his whole aspect, 
there is that forlorn, broken-spirited, an- 
guished look of despair, which shows he him- 
self feels that he has sunken, beyond earthly 
redemption, into the awful pit of the con- 
firmed drunkard! This is the young man 
whose early opportunities were so favorable, 
and whose prospects were so bright and flat- 
tering. He has become a curse to himself. 
He has brought disgrace and wretchedness 
on his connections, and is an outcast and 
vagabond, with whom no young man who 
now hears me would associate for a single 
hour! 

What has brought him to this pitiable 
condition — this state of utter wretchedness ? 
It was a want of forethought. He totally 
neglected the considerations I have endeav- 
ored to impress upon the young. He was 
careless and indifferent in regard to his asso- 
ciates. He would not be admonished to turn 
from the company of the vicious, and seek 



68 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

the society of those of good habits and up- 
right character. Despite the counsel of pa- 
rents and friends, he would associate with 
companions of corrupt habits — with the pro- 
fane, the drinking, the Sabbath-breaking — 
those whose chief delight was to visit oyster- 
cellars and grog-shops — whose highest ambi- 
tion was to excel in cards, and dice, and 
sleight-of-hand tricks — and who sought for 
no better employment than to range the 
streets and alleys, to engage in midnight ad- 
ventures and Bacchanalian revelries. Min- 
gling with such as his associates, and fall- 
ing unavoidably into their habits, he is now 
reaping the litter, bittek fruits of his folly. 
His time misspent — character destroyed — 
health ruined — every source of happiness 
obliterated — his life wasted and literally 
thrown away — his days, a blanh — ah ! worse 
than that — filled with the terrific visions, the 
horrid dreams, the flames of the unquencha- 
ble fire, which float and burn in the veins 
of the confirmed inebriate ! 

Young men ! Do you shudder at the con- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 69 

dition of this wretched youth, whose form 
yet flits like n shadow through, our streets ? 
Would you avoid his fate? Do you start 
back in affright at the mere thought of be- 
coming the poor, cast-off wreck of humanity 
that he is ? Then avoid the rock on which 
he foundered his bark. Shun, as you would 
a nest of vipers, the company of the reckless 
and profligate. Avoid all association, all 
companionship, all intimacy, with those whose 
habits deviate from the high rules of recti- 
tude, purity, and virtue. 

Allow me to paint you a picture of an op- 
posite character, drawn also from real life. 
I have another young man in my mind's eye, 
who originated in our own county. He had 
but few of the advantages of him whose mel- 
ancholy career I have painted. He was the 
son of parents who possessed but little means, 
and who could afford him no assistance after 
the days of childhood. Pie was early placed 
to the hard labor of a mechanic. But he did 
not sink into lewdness and vice, under the 
pressure of his adverse circumstances. He 



70 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

would not spend his leisure hours at public 
resorts, in the midst of the profligate and 
reckless. Each moment of respite from la- 
bor, he applied himself to study and the im- 
provement of his mind. With great wisdom 
he avoided the company of idle, profane and 
vicious youth ; and would associate with none 
but the discreet, the intelligent and virtuous. 
He was determined to rise in the world, and 
to win a name which should live long after 
he should pass from the earth. He placed 
his mark high ! "With indomitable courage 
and unwearied perseverance, he pursued the 
path he had chosen for himself. He cut his 
way through every obstacle, and overcame 
every hindrance and difficulty, though they 
might seem to tower mountain high. Friends 
came to his aid, as they will to the assistance 
of every youth who is industriously seeking 
to rise in the world by the strength of his 
own merits. At length, after great exer- 
tions, he obtained a profession, and entered 
into a field where he could bring into active 
exercise the fund of knowledge he had been 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 71 

acquiring under so many difficulties. One 
thus industrious, thus pure in his habits, thus 
upright and honorable in all his transactions, 
could not fail to receive the commendation 
and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Rap- 
idly he rose from one post of honor to an- 
other. Ere long he was sent to the Legisla- 
ture of our State. Soon he entered the halls 
of Congress, where he won the confidence of 
his compeers, and arose to honorable distinc- 
tion. From step to step he advanced — high 
and higher still he ascended the ladder of 
fame — until now, the poor mechanic boy of 
Montville, occupies the second place in the 
gift of the American people — within one step 
of the highest pinnacle of fame to which man 
can attain on the earth ! How noble the 
career — how splendid the example — placed 
before the youth of our country, in the his- 
tory of this eminent man ! How honorable 
to himself — how worthy of imitation. 

I need not ask the young men of this au- 
dience, which place they would prefer to oc- 
cupy, the position of the poor inebriate of 



72 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

whom I liave spoken, or that of the Vice- 
President of the United States? It is in- 
structive to inquire why the one, with oppor- 
tunities so good, sunk so low, and the other, 
with early advantages so limited, has arisen 
so high ? This disparity in their condition 
is to be attributed to the different paths 
they selected at the outset of life. While 
the one trampled on all his advantages, and 
foolishly associated with the vicious and un- 
principled, the other diligently applied him- 
self to the acquisition of useful knowledge, 
and was scrupulous to associate with none 
but those who were discreet and virtuous, 
and whose influence was calculated to elevate 
and purify him. 

These two cases, drawn from real life, are 
but a specimen of instances with which the 
world is filled. They show how immensely 
important it is for the young to reflect ma- 
turely on the course they would pursue, and 
the necessity of selecting for their associates 
such as have habits, tastes, and principles, 
proper for commendation and imitation. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 73 

Most of those who come under tlie influ- 
ence of corrupt associates, are led thither 
more from sheer thoughtlessness, than from 
any disposition to become depraved. They 
fall into the company of those who are gay, 
sociable and pleasant in their manners ; who 
make time pass agreeably, and who contrive 
many ways to drive dull care away, which 
do not, in themselves, appear very bad. 
The thoughtless youth becomes attached to 
their society, and gradually gives himself up 
to their influence. Almost imperceptibly to 
himself, he follows them farther and farther 
from the path of rectitude, until, before he 
is aware of it, some vicious habit has fixed 
its fangs upon him, and made him its wretch- 
ed slave for life. 

The difficulty in these cases, is the want 
of a due exercise of reflection and discern- 
ment. The young should guard against be- 
ing deceived by outward appearances. Be- 
neath a pleasant, agreeable exterior- — beneath 
sociability and attractive manners — there 
I may lurk vicious propensities, depraved ap- 

4 



74 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

petites, and habits of tlie most corrupt na- 
ture. Hence the young should look beyond 
the surface, and guard against deceptive ap- 
pearances. It should not be enough to make 
a young man or a young woman your asso- 
ciate, that they are sociable and attractive in 
their manners, and can make their company 
agreeable. Search farther than this. Strive 
to know their tastes, their habits, their prin- 
ciples. Inquire how, and where, they spend 
their leisure hours — in what company do 
they mingle — what practices do they appro- 
bate — what is their general conduct and de- 
meanor? If in all these respects, they are 
found to be discreet, virtuous, and worthy 
of imitation, then hesitate not to associate 
with them, and allow yourself to be influ- 
enced by them. But if you find them defi- 
cient in any of these characteristics, however 
attractive they may be in other respects, 
shun their company, and avoid their influ- 
ence. The effect of associating with them 
would be to lead you astray, to your ruin. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH 75 

In selecting associates, studiously avoid 
those who are low, coarse, and vulgar in 
their behavior and manners. Rudeness and 
vulgarity are unbecoming any age. But 
they are especially offensive and indecorous 
in youth. The young man, or young wo- 
man, who has not sufficient self-respect and 
pride of character to deport themselves with 
modesty, circumspection, and politeness, is 
unfitted to be an associate. A bold, brazen, 
forward demeanor, indicates a heart far from 
possessing those delicate and amiable traits, 
which are alone worthy of imitation. Vul- 
garity in language or demeanor, indicates a 
vitiated heart. Cultivation and refinement 
of manners are, to a good degree, evidence of 
a pure spirit, and high and honorable feelings. 

The youth who is truly polite, has a great 
advantage, in every respect, over those who 
are deficient in this desirable qualification. 
Many, however, entertain very erroneous 
views of the nature of politeness. It does 
not consist in putting on an air, a simper, a 
strut, or a bow. Neither is it to be mani- 



- 



76 LECTUKES TO YOUTH. 

fested in high-flown words, or a fashionable 
pronunciation. Many young persons who 
can make very accomplished bows, and go 
through all the postures and attitudes of the 
schools, are still ignorant of the first princi- 
ples of genuine politeness, and violate them 
every day. Politeness is not to be learned 
of the dancing-master, the fop, or the belle. 
Do you inquire where it can be obtained? 
I answer, in the gospel of our Saviour. True- 
hearted Christians are always polite. They 
cannot be otherwise, while influenced by the 
Christian spirit. For the first great princi- 
ple of true politeness is found in the Saviour's 
golden rule — "All things whatsoever ye 
would that men should do to you, do ye 
even so to them." Treat others as you wish 
to be treated yourself, and you cannot fail 
of being polite. Treat them as you wish not 
to be treated, and you are ill-bred and vul- 
gar, though you may be dressed in the ex- 
treme of fashion, and steeped in Cologne ! 
Politeness, in its true acceptation, is but an- 
other word for kindness. The truly polite 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 77 

man and woman, are not haughty, nor exclu- 
sive — they are not starched, nor supercilious. 
They show their politeness in being respect- 
ful to the feelings of persons of every rank, 
condition, and complexion. They treat all 
kindly and gently ; and seek to make those 
in their presence to feel easy and happy. 
The whole secret of politeness may be sum- 
med up in a single sentence — Make your- 
selves agreeable and pleasant to whomsoever 
you meet. With this intent, your manners 
will be easy and natural ; and you will be 
polite in every true sense of the word, though 
brought up in the centre of the wilderness. 

In selecting those they would imitate in 
regard to politeness, the young should not 
choose the starched fop, the gaudily-dressed 
dandy, who may owe all their attractions to 
the unpaid tailor — nor the fashionable belle, 
who sneers upon everything plain and useful. 
They, more than all others, violate the first 
principles of politeness in their demeanor. 
But select the plain-dressed, the modest, the 
affable, the kind and friendly at heart. In 



78 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

these you find the true lady — the genuine 
gentleman. 

In regard to this whole subject of the se- 
lection of associates, I would earnestly coun- 
sel the young to listen respectfully to the 
advice of their parents, guardians, and elder 
friends. They should not be headstrong, nor 
wise in their own conceits ; but should yield 
to the counsel of others. Your parents are 
far better calculated to judge of associates 
than themselves. You are liable to be blind- 
ed to their defects, and deceived by specious 
appearances. But parents scrutinize them 
from a different position. They have been 
through the school of experience, and are 
much better prepared to judge of character. 
Listen, O ye youthful ! to their warning 
voice. They are moved by love for you — 
they speak for your good. When they en- 
treat you to avoid the society of certain indi- 
viduals, and escape their influence, heed their 
exhortations. Your own heart will tell you, 
that your father and mother would not 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 79 

speak, simply to thwart your feelings; but 
that they see danger hovering around you, 
and would snatch you away, as the bird from 
the fowler's snare ! That is a wise and prom- 
ising son — a prudent and hopeful daughter 
— who pays respectful deference to the coun- 
sel of parents, and yields a cheerful compli- 
ance with their wishes ! 



c So live, that when thy summons comes, to join 
The innumerable caravan, that moves 
To the pale realms of shade, where each shall take 
His chamber in the silent halls of death, 
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night, 
Scourged to his dungeon ; but, sustained and soothed 
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave 
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams !" 



LECTURE IV. 

iabifs raft ^mmwAs* 



"Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established , w 
— Prov. iv. 26. 




some 
This 



HERE is not a youth present 
this evening, who will not 
acknowledge this to be sound 
and wholesome advice. Were 
yon walking in a slippery, 
dangerous way, amid the 
darkness of midnight, you would 
give the strictest heed to the 
friendly precaution — " Ponder the 
path of thy feet. Be careful where 
you step. When you put your foot 
down, see to it, that it rests on some- 
thing well-established — some rock, 
spot of earth, that is firm and solid." 
advice would be heeded, because of 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 81 

your consciousness that by stepping heed- 
lessly, you would be in danger of stumbling 
into a pit, or falling over a precipice, where 
your limbs would be broken, or life destroy- 
ed. Simple discretion would bid you be- 
ware, under such circumstances. The youth- 
ful should fully realize that they are walking 
in a pathway, which to them is wholly un- 
tried and unknown. It is a road surrounded 
by many dangers, unseen by the careless 
traveller ; where he is liable to be lured aside 
to ruin, by a thousand fascinations and temp- 
tations, and where multitudes possessing the 
best advantages, the highest talents, the 
brightest genius, the rarest gifts, have stum- 
bled and fallen, to rise no more on earth. 
While pressing on ardently and thoughtlessly 
in this dangerous highway, apprehending no 
difficulty, and fearing no peril, a voice from 
on high calls to the young, and urges them 
to " Ponder the path of their feet, and to let 
all their ways — their footsteps — be estab- 
lished!" There is wisdom, prudence, good- 
ness, in this exhortation. 



82 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

Question tlie old man— the aged traveller 
— wlio has passed over this pathway of life, 
and is just ready to step up into the myste- 
rious road of a higher existence. Ask him 
as to his experience— beseech him for advice. 
Looking back through the vista of his long 
and chequered way, of light and shadow, of 
joy and sorrow, he will exclaim — "O ye 
youthful ! Give heed to the admonition of 
the wise man — ' Ponder the path of thy feet, 
and let all thy ways be established.' " 

The admonition of the text is important 
in reference to the Habits and Amusements 
of the youthful. We are all more or less 
the creatures of habit. Our ways, from ear- 
liest infancy, are more the result of the force 
of habit, than we are generally aware. The 
actions, words, and thoughts of men, form 
for themselves certain channels, in which 
they continually seek to flow, unless turned 
aside by a strong hand, and a painful effort. 

Habits are formed insensibly. We are 
not aware of any moment when they are 
created ; but the first consciousness of their 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 83 

"being fixed upon us, is, when their great 
power is felt impelling us strongly to certain 
courses. A single deed does not create a 
habit. One thread of hemp forms not a 
rope. It contains but a very slight amount 
of strength. But when a large number of 
threads are laid and twisted together, they 
make the mighty cable, which, attached to 
the ship, enables her to bid a proud defiance 
to the fierce gales and mountain billows of 
ocean. Thus the young are continually, yet 
unconsciously, spinning the threads of habit. 
Day by day the strands increase, and are 
twisted tighter together ; until at length 
they become strong and unyielding cords, 
binding their possessor to customs and prac- 
tices which fix his character and prospects 
for life. 

It is of the greatest importance that the 
young should inquire faithfully into the na- 
ture of the habits they are forming. They 
should not fall into self-deception— a com- 
mon error, on this subject. The love of in- 
dulgence should not be permitted to blind 



84 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

thera to the legitimate consequences of care- 
less habits. Let them look abroad on their 
fellow-beings, and critically study the ten- 
dencies and fruits of their habits. "When 
they see one prosperous in life — one who is 
respected, confided in, and beloved by all — 
who leads a quiet, pleasant and peaceful life, 
— mark his habits, and strive to imitate 
them. They will bless them as well as him, 
if faithfully practised. And when they be- 
hold a man disliked and despised by his 
neighbors, especially by those who know 
him best — or one who has fallen into dis- 
grace and ruin ; who has lost his character, 
his health, his happiness, and become an out- 
cast and vagabond, — let them not fail to 
learn what his habits have been. Look at 
them carefully and critically. Ponder well 
the effect they have had upon him. And 
then strive to avoid them. Shun them as 
the poisonous viper whose sting is death. 
Let them wind not a single coil of their fatal 
chains around the free spirit of the young. 
The same appalling consequences will be 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 85 

visited on every youth, wlio indulges them, 
that have fallen on those whose condition ex- 
cites both pity and loathing in their breasts. 
In youth, habits are much easier formed 
and corrected, than at a later period of life. 
If they are right now, preserve, strengthen 
and mature them. If they are wrong — if 
they have any dangerous influence or ten- 
dency — correct them immediately. Delay 
not the effort an hour. The earlier you 
make the attempt to remedy a bad habit, 
the easier it will be accomplished. Every 
day adds to its strength and vigor ; until, if 
not conquered in due time, it will become 
a voracious monster, devouring everything 
good and excellent. It will make its victim 
a miserable, drivelling slave, to be continu- 
ally lashed and scourged into the doing of 
its low and wretched promptings. Hence 
the importance of attending to the habits 
in early life, when they are easily controlled 
and corrected. If the young do not make 
themselves the masters of their passions, ap- 
petites, and habits, these will soon become 



86 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

their masters, and make them their tool and 
bond-men through all their days. 

Usually at the age of thirty years, the 
moral habits become fixed for life. New 
ones are seldom formed after that age ; and 
quite as seldom are old ones abandoned. 
There are exceptions to this rule; but in 
general, it holds good. If the habits are de- 
praved and vicious at that age, there is little 
hope of amendment. But if they are cor- 
rect — if they are characterized by virtue, 
goodness, and sobriety — there is a flattering 
prospect of a prosperous and peaceful life. 
Remember, the habits are not formed, nor 
can they be corrected, in a single week or 
month. It requires years to form them, and 
years will be necessary to correct them per- 
manently, when they are wrong. Hence, in 
order to possess good habits at maturity, it 
is all-important to commence schooling the 
passions, curbing the appetites, and bringing 
the whole moral nature under complete con- 
trol, early in youth. This work cannot be 
commenced too soon. The earlier the ef- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 87 

fort, the easier it can be accomplished. To 
straighten the tender twig, when it grows 
awry from the ground, is the easiest thing 
imaginable. A child can do it at the touch 
of its finger. But let the twig become a ma- 
tured tree before the attempt is made, and 
it will baffle all the art of man to bring it to 
a symmetrical position. It must be uproot- 
ed from the very soil, before this can be ac- 
complished. It is not difficult to correct a 
bad habit when it commences forming. But 
wait until it has become fully developed, and 
it will require a long and painful exertion of 
every energy to correct it. 

Permit me to enumerate a few of the more 
important habits, which the young should 
seek to cultivate. 

First of all — the most important of all — 
and that, indeed, which underlies and gives 
coloring to all others — is the habit of Tem- 
PEKAisrcE. Surely it is needless for me, at 
this day, to dwell upon the evils of intem- 
perance. It cannot be necessary to paint 
the bitter consequences — the destruction to 



otf LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

property, health, reputation — tlie overthrow 
of the peace of families, the want and mis- 
ery, to which its victims are frequently 
reduced. The disgrace, the wretchedness, 
the ruin, the useless and ignominious life, 
and the horrid death, which are so often 
caused by habits of intemperance, are seen, 
and known to all. No one attempts, no one 
thinks of denying them. The most inter- 
ested dealer, or retailer in intoxicating drinks 
— the most confirmed inebriate — will ac- 
knowledge without hesitation, that intem- 
perance is the direst evil that ever cursed a 
fallen race ! ! The deleterious consequences 
of other vices may sometimes be concealed 
for a season, from outward observation. Not 
so with intemperance. It writes its loath- 
some name, in legible characters, upon the 
very brow of its wretched victim. " I am a 
drunkard!" is as plainly to be read as though 
a printed label was posted there ! 

Need I warn — need I exhort — the young 
to avoid the habit of intemperance. Per- 
haps there is not a youth present, who is not 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 89 

ready to say, "To me this exhortation is 
needless. I liave not the slightest expecta- 
tion of becoming a drunkard !" Of course 
not. There never was a man who desired, 
or expected, to become a victim to intem- 
perance. The great danger of this habit is, 
that it creeps stealthily and imperceptibly 
upon the unwary. It does its work gradu- 
ally. The most besotted inebriate cannot 
tell you the day, nor the month, when he 
became a confirmed drunkard. It is in the 
nature of this habit, that those who expose 
themselves at all to its assaults, become its 
victims, while they are entirely unaware 
of it. 

The only safeguard and security, against 
this scourge of man, is total abstinence from 
all intoxicating drinks ! ! Here is the true, 
the safe ground for the young. There is no 
other condition of entire security. No man 
who drinks, however sparingly, has assur- 
ance of a sober life. He needlessly, and 
foolishly, places himself in danger — turns his 
footsteps into the only path that can possi- 



90 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

bly lead to the drunkard's ruin and the 
drunkard's grave ! 

Drink the first drop that can intoxicate, 
and your feet stand at the very brink of the 
ocean of intemperance. Its briny waters 
are composed of human tears. Its winds, 
the sighs of those made poor and wretched 
by the inebriation of husbands, fathers, sons. 
Its billows, ever tossing, are overhung with 
black and lowering clouds, and illuminated 
only by the lightning's vivid flash, while 
hoarse thunders reverberate over the wide 
and desolate waste. Engulphed in this 
dreary ocean, the wretched drunkard is buf- 
feted hither and thither, at the mercy of its 
angry waves — now dashed on jagged rocks, 
bruised and bleeding — then engulphed in 
raging whirlpools to suffocating depths — 
anon, like a worthless weed, cast high into 
the darkened heavens by the mid water- 
spout, only to fall again into the surging 
deep, to be tossed to and fro on waters 
which cannot rest ! Rash youth ! Would 
you launch away on this sea of death ? Quaff 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 91 

of the intoxicating bowl, and soon its hun- 
gry waves will be around you. Would you 
avoid a fate so direful? Seal your lips to 
the first drop, and the drear prospect will 
sink forever from your vision ! 

Young men who would guard themselves 
against the baleful habit of intemperance, 
should shun all resorts where intoxicating 
drinks are vended. They should avoid 
throwing themselves in the way of tempta- 
tion. " Lead us not into temptation," should 
be the constant prayer of the young. When 
by any combination of circumstances, they 
find themselves in the company of those who 
quaff of the poisoned bowl, whether in pub- 
lic or private, they should exercise a manly 
pride in firmly refusing to participate in 
their potations. This is a legitimate and 
commendable pride, of which the young can- 
not have too much. Let them place them- 
selves on the high rock of principle, and 
their feet will not slide in the trying hour. 

" Oh ! water for me ! bright water for me, 
And wine for the tremulous debauchee ! 



92 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

It cooleth the brow, it cooleth the brain, 

It maketh the faint one strong again ! 

It comes o'er the sense like a breeze from the sea, 

All freshness, like infant purity. 

Oh ! water, bright water, for me, for me ! 

Give wine, give wine, to the debauchee." 

" The young man walks in the midst 
of temptations to appetite, the improper in- 
dulgence of which is in danger of proving 
his ruin. Health, longevity, and virtue de- 
pend on his resisting these temptations. The 
providence of God is no more responsible, 
because a man of improper indulgence be- 
comes subject to disease, than for picking 
his pockets. For a young man to injure 
his health, is to waste his patrimony and de- 
stroy his capacity for virtuous deeds. 

" If young men imagine that the gratifica- 
tion of appetite is the great source of enjoy- 
ment, they will find this in the highest de- 
gree with industry and temperance. The 
epicure, who seeks it in a dinner which costs 
five dollars, will find less enjoyment of appe- 
tite than the laborer who dines on a shilling, y 
If the devotee to appetite desires its high 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 93 

gratification, lie must not send for buffalo 
tongues and champagne, but climb a moun- 
tain or swing an axe. Let a young man pur- 
sue temperance, sobriety, and industry, and 
lie may retain his vigor till three score years 
and ten, with his cup of enjoyment full, and 
depart painlessly; as the candle burns out 
in its socket, he will expire."* 

Next to Temperance in importance, I 
would rank the habit of Ijstdustry. We 
were evidently made for active occupation. 
Every joint, sinew, and muscle plainly shows 
this. A young person who is an idler, a 
drone, is a pest in society. He is ready to 
engage in mischief, and to fall into vice, with 
but little resistance. It is an old saying, 
that " an idle brain is the devil's workshop." 
Those who are not actively employed in 
something useful, will be very likely to fall 
into evil practices. Industry is one of the 
best safeguards against the inroads of vice. 
The young, whatever may be their condi- 
tion, or however abundantly they may be- 

* Horace Mann. 



94 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

lieve their future wants already provided for, 
should actively engage in some honorable 
occupation or profession — in something that 
will benefit mankind. They should be fired 
with the high and noble ambition of making 
the world better for their living in it. Who 
can wish to pass a blank existence ? Yet this 
is the life of every idler, poor or rich. Be 
stirring in anything which is useful — any- 
thing which will make others happy. Then 
you will not have lived in vain. Behold 
how a good man can devote his life to labors 
for the benefit of others. Would you par- 
take of the immortal fame of a Howard ? 
Imitate, to the extent of your ability, the 
example of industrious benevolence he has 
placed before the world. 

" From realm to realm, with cross or crescent crowned, 
Where'er mankind and misery are found, 
O'er burning sands, deep waves, or wilds of snow, 
Mild Howard journeying seeks the house of woe. 
Down many a winding step to dungeons dank, 
Where anguish wails aloud and fetters clank, 
To caves bestrewed with many a mouldering bone, 
And cells whose echoes only learn to groan; 
Where no kind bars a whispering friend disclose, 
No sunbeam enters, and no zephyr blows ; — 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 95 

He treads, inemulous of fame or wealth, 
Profuse of toil and prodigal of health ; 
Leads stern-eyed Justice to the dark domains, 
If not to sever, to relax his chains ; 
Gives to her babes the self-devoted wife, 
To her fond husband liberty and life, — 
Onward he moves! disease and death retire; 
And murmuring demons hate him and admire." 

To young women industry is equally es- 
sential and commendable. An idle woman 
is a poor and worthless thing. For wliat 
does slie imagine slie was created ? Of wliat 
service is slie to the world? In what re- 
spect would not the world be as well with- 
out her ? A do-notliing young lady is most 
assuredly pitied and despised by those whose 
good opinion she is most anxious to se- 
cure. 

It is not enough that a young woman can 
play skilfully, sing delightfully, dance grace- 
fully, dress fashionably, and has an abundant 
flow of "small talk." The world looks be- 
yond these outward ornaments, and asks 
— Has she a good heart and gentle disposi- 
tion? Is she affectionate and forbearing? 
Can she rule her temper and control her 



96 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

tongue ? Does she respect and obey her pa- 
rents ? Has she a well-cultivated and well- 
stored mind? Is she industrious, prudent, 
economical ? Is she able and willing to en- 
gage in household duties ? Accomplishments 
are not to be overlooked. But the qualities 
above enumerated are essential, indispensa- 
ble, to the character of a good daughter and 
a useful wife. 

" Action ! That's the word. The great 
world itself throbs with life. Action, untir- 
ing harmony pervades the Universe of God. 
The Creative Power has so ordained it. The 
physical formation of the world, and all there- 
in, forbids inactivity. The vast machinery 
must move, or the whole cease to exist. Man 
was never designed to be a drone. Had he 
lived pure in the first Paradise, he could not 
have been idle. Sick or well, in cold or 
heat, day or night, the machine moves on, 
the heart, like a steam-engine, throbs away, 
and faithfully pumps its crimson currents un- 
ceasingly to every part of the animal frame. 
Action is one of the first elements of health 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 97 

and happiness. The mind will stagnate and 
engender moral miasma, as much as the pool 
never stirred by a tide or swept by the 
winds. 

" God has written action on the Heavens. 
Silent, but ceaseless, the worlds that gleam 
out upon us, keep on their course. Every 
orb follows the track marked out for it. The 
Ocean rolls and heaves. The spring gushes 
out from the hill-side and dances from rock 
to rock, and the brook hums and murmurs 
its melody as it goes. Upon the meadow, 
the springing grass tells of the process that 
annually clothes the turf with wealth and 
beauty. The leaves put out, rustle in the 
winds, and fall to their rest, while others fol- 
low. The fierce, fiery energy of the light- 
ning writes the truth upon the scudding 
clouds. The formless waves that in the at- 
mosphere ripple and dash against the cheek, 
tell of a restless ocean around us, a medium 
of health and sound. From the world that 
rolls, to the summer flies that float on the 
air and glance in the sun, the truth is pro- 

5 



98 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

claimed that all is activity. Man cannot be 
idle — should not."* 

" One of the most mischievous phrases in 
which a rotten Morality, a radically false and 
vicious Public Sentiment, disguise themselves, 
is that which characterizes certain individu- 
als as destitute of financial capacity. A 4 kind, 
amiable, generous, good sort of man, 7 (so runs 
the varnish,) 4 but utterly unqualified for the 
management of his own finances' — ' a mere 
child in everything relating to money,' &c. 
&c. — meaning that with an income of $500 
a year, he persisted in spending $1000 ; or 
with an income of from $2000 to $3000, he 
regularly spent from $5000 to $8000, accord- 
ing to his ability to run in debt, or the cre- 
dulity of others in trusting him. 

"The victims of this immorality — debtor 
as well as creditor — are entitled to more 
faithful dealing at the hands of those not di- 
rectly affected by the misdemeanors of the 
former. It is the duty of the community to 
rebuke and repress these pernicious glosses, 

* T. W. Brown. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 99 

making the truth heard and felt, that inor- 
dinate expenditure is knavery and crime. 
No man has a moral right thus to lavish on 
his own appetites, money which he has not 
earned, and does not really need. If public 
opinion were sound on this subject — if a man 
living beyond his means, when his means 
were commensurate with his real needs, were 
subjected to the reprehension he deserves — - 
the evil would be instantly checked, and ulti- 
mately eradicated. 

"The world is full of people who can't 
imagine why they don't prosper like their 
neighbors, when the real obstacle is not in 
the banks nor tariffs, in bad public policy 
nor hard times, but in their own extrava- 
gance and heedless ostentation. The young 
mechanic or clerk marries and takes a house, 
which he proceeds to furnish twice as expen- 
sively as he can afford ; and then his wife, 
instead of taking hold to help him earn a 
livelihood by doing her own work, must have 
a hired servant to help her spend his limited 
earnings. Ten years afterward, you will find 



100 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

hini struggling on under a double load of 
debts and children, wondering why the luck 
was always against him, while his friends re- 
gret his unhappy destitution of financial abil- 
ity. Had they, from the first, been frank 
and honest, he need not have been so un- 
lucky. 

" Through every grade of society this vice 
of inordinate expenditure insinuates itself. 
The single man i hired out' in the country at 
ten to fifteen dollars per month, who con- 
trives to dissolve his year's earnings in frol- 
ics and fine clothes ; the clerk who has three 
to five hundred dollars a year, and melts 
down twenty to fifty of it into liquor and 
cigars, are paralleled by the young merchant 
who fills a spacious house with costly furni- 
ture, gives dinners, and drives a fast horse, 
on the strength of the profits he expects to 
realize when his goods are all sold and his 
notes all paid. Let a man have a genius for 
spending, and whether his income is a dollar 
a day or a dollar a minute, it is equally cer- 
tain to prove inadequate. If dining, wining, 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 101 

and party-giving won't help him through, with 
it, building, gaming, and speculation will be 
sure to. The bottomless pocket will never 
fill, no matter how bounteous the stream 
pouring into it. The man who (being sin- 
gle) does not save money on six dollars a 
week, will not be apt to on sixty ; and he 
who does not lay up something in his first 
year of independent exertion, will be pretty 
likely to wear a poor man's hair into his 
grave. 

u No man w ho has the natural use of his 
faculties and his muscles, has any right to 
tax others with the cost of his support, as 
this class of non-financial gentlemen habitu- 
ally do. It is their common mistake to fancy 
that if a debt is only paid at last, the obliga- 
tion of the debtor is fulfilled ; but the fact is 
not so. A man who sells his property for 
another's promise to pay next week or next 
month, and is compelled to wear out a pair 
of boots in running, after his due, which he 
finally gets after a year or two, is never really 
paid. Very often, he has lost half the face 



102 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

of his demand, by not having the money 
when he needed it, beside the cost and vex- 
ation of running after it. There is just one 
way to pay an obligation in full, and that is 
to pay it when due. He who keeps up a 
running fight with bills and loans through 
life, is continually living on other men's 
means, is a serious burden and a detriment 
to those who deal with him, although his 
estate should finally pay every dollar of his 
legal obligations. 

" Inordinate expenditure is the cause of a 
great share of the crime and consequent mis- 
ery which devastate the world. The clerk 
who spends more than he earns, is fast quali- 
fying himself for a gambler and a thief; the 
trader or mechanic who overruns his income, 
is very certain to become in time a trickster 
and a cheat. Wherever you see a man 
spending faster than he earns, there look out 
for villainy to be developed, though it be 
the farthest thing possible from his present 
thought. 

" When the world shall have become wiser, 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 103 

and its standard of morality more lofty, it 
will perceive and affirm that profuse expen- 
diture, even by one who can pecuniarily af- 
ford it, is pernicious and unjustifiable — that 
a man, however wealthy, has no right to lav- 
ish on his own appetites, his tastes, or his 
ostentation, that which might have raised 
hundreds from destitution and despair to 
comfort and usefulness. But that is an im- 
provement in public sentiment which must 
be waited for, while the other is more ready 
and obvious. 

"The meanness, the dishonesty, the ini- 
quity, of squandering thousands unearned, 
and keeping others out of money that is 
justly theirs, have rarely been urged and 
enforced as they should be. They need but 
to be considered and understood, to be uni- 
versally loathed and detested."* 

Nearly allied with the Habits of the young, 
are their Amusements. That the youthful 
should be allowed a reasonable degree of 
recreation, is universally admitted. The laws 

* Horace Greeley. 



104 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

of health demand relaxation from the labors 
and cares of life. The body, the mind, con- 
stantly strained to the highest exertion, with- 
out repose, and something to cheer, refreshen, 
and re-invigorate it, will speedily fall into 
disease and death. The very word recrea- 
tion — (re-creation) — indicates that to a de- 
gree, proper amusement has the power to 
revive the wearied energies, supply afresh 
the springs of life, and give a renewed elas- 
ticity and endurance to all the capacities of 
our naturec 

Yet there is no subject surrounded with 
greater difficulties, than the amusements of 
the youthful. There is no amusement, how- 
ever harmless and proper in its nature, but 
what can be carried to such excess, as to in- 
flict deep injury. It is while searching for 
recreations, that the youthful meet the most 
dangerous temptations, and fall into the most 
vicious practices. How important that they 
should make this a matter of mature reflec- 
tion and acute discrimination. Pleasure we 
all desire. It is sought for by every human 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 105 

being. But it is essential to distinguish be- 
tween true pleasure, which we can enjoy 
with real benefit, and false pleasure, which 
deceives, demoralizes, and destroys. The poet 
truly describes the nature of this distinction, 
when he says, 

" Pleasure, or wrong, or rightly understood, 
Our greatest evil, or our greatest good 1" 

One of the first things requisite to be un- 
derstood is, that in order to enjoy any amuse- 
ment, a previous preparation is necessary. 
That preparation is to be obtained by useful 
occupation. It is only by contrast that we 
can enjoy anything. Without weariness, we 
can know nothing of rest. "Without first en- 
during hunger and thirst, we cannot expe- 
rience the satisfaction of partaking of food 
and drink. In like manner, it is only by 
faithful and industrious application to busi- 
ness of some kind — it is only by occupying 
the mind in useful employment — that w r e 
can draw any satisfaction from recreation. - 
Without this preparation, all amusement 



106 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

loses its charm. "Were the young to engage 
in one unceasing round of pastimes, from day 
to day, with no time or thought devoted to 
useful occupation, recreation would soon be 
divested of its attractions, and become in- 
sipid and painfully laborious. To be bene- 
ficial, amusements should be virtuous in their 
tendencies, healthful in their influence on the 
body, and of brief duration. 

Among the many pastimes to which the 
young resort for amusement, carJyplaying 
often fills a prominent place. This is a gen- 
eral, and in some circles, a fashionable prac- 
tice ; but it is objectionable and injurious in 
all its influences, and in every possible point 
of view. Nothing good or instructive, noth- 
ing elevating or commendable, in any sense, 
can come from it. All its fruits must neces- 
sarily be evil. 

It is a senseless occupation. Nothing can 
be more unmeaning and fruitless, among all 
the employments to which a rational mind 
can devote its attention. It affords no use- 
ful exercise of the intellect — no food for pro- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 107 

fitable thought— no power to call into activ- 
ity the higher and better capacities. It is 
true, I suppose, there is some degree of cun- 
ning and skill to be displayed in managing 
the cards. But what high intellectual, or 
moral capacity is brought into exercise by a 
game so trivial ? It excludes interesting and 
instructive interchanges of sentiment, on top- 
ics of any degree of importance ; and substi- 
tutes talk of a frivolous and meaningless 
character. To a spectator, the conversation 
of a card-table, is of the most uninteresting 
and childish description. 

There are, however, more serious objec- 
tions than these. Card-playing has a ten- 
dency of the most dangerous description, es- 
pecially to the youthful. Let a young man 
become expert in this game, and fond of en- 
gaging in it, and who does not see he is lia- 
ble to become that most mean and despica- 
ble of all living creatures— a gambler. Con- 
fident of his own skill as a card-player, how 
long would he hesitate to engage in a game 
for a small sum? He has seen older ones 



108 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

playing — perhaps his own parents — and he 
can discover no great harm in doing the same 
thing, even if it is for a stake of a few shil- 
lings. From playing for small sums, the 
steps are very easy which lead to large 
amounts. And in due time, the young man 
becomes a gambler, from no other cause than 
that he acquired a love for card-playing, when 
he engaged in it only as an amusement. 

Parents have a responsibility resting on 
them in this respect, of which they should 
not lose sight. They cannot be surprised 
that their children imitate their examples. 
With all the dangerous associations and ten- 
dencies of card-playing, would they have 
their children acquire a passion for it ? What 
wise parent can make such a choice for his 
son ? Ah, how many a young man has be- 
come a gamester, a black-leg, an inmate of 
the prison cell, because, in the home of his 
childhood, he acquired a love of the card- 
table. He but imitated the practice of pa- 
rents, whose duty it was to set him a better 
example, and was led to the path of ruin! 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 109 

If, from its influences, card-playing, even 
for amusement, is improper for gentlemen, I 
conceive it mucli more so for ladies. A wo- 
man — and more especially a young woman — 
seems entirely out of place at a card-table. 
The associations are so masculine— they bring 
to mind so much of the cut-and-shuffle trick- 
ery, vulgarity and profanity— so many of the 
words and phrases of that TieU, the gaming- 
table — that for a lady to indulge in them, 
appears entirely opposed to that modesty 
and refinement, which are so becoming the 
female character. I trust all young ladies 
of discretion will shun the card-table. I am 
confident every woman, who possesses a pro- 
per sense of the dignity and delicacy which 
form the highest attractions of the female 
character, will avoid a practice which is made 
an instrument of the most despicable uses, 
and to which the most vile and abandoned 
constantly resort. 

" Daughters of those who, long ago, 
Dared the dark storm and angry sea, 
And walked the desert way of woe, 
And pain, and trouble to be free ! 



110 LECTURES TO YOUTH, 

Oh, be like them ! like them endure, 

And bow beneath affliction's rod ; 
Like them be watchful, high and pure — 

In all things seek the smile of God." 

The same caution I have uttered in regard 
to card-playing, I w ould apply to all games 
of hazard and chance. The young should 
never indulge in them, even for amusement. 
Although they may be able to see no harm 
in them as recreations, yet the influences 
they exert, and the associations into which 
they lead, cannot but exert a deleterious in- 
fluence. They can do no good. They may 
lead to the most dire results ! 

Another amusement in which the youthful 
frequently engage, is Dancing. This is the 
most fascinating of pastimes. And it might 
be made the most proper, healthful, and in- 
vigorating. In the simple act of dancing — ■ 
of moving the body in unison with strains of 
music — there can be no harm. It is a cus- 
tom which has been practised in all ages, 
and among all nations, both civilized and 
barbarous. The very lambs in the green 
and sunny meadow, and the cattle on a thou- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. Ill 

sand hills, in many a fantastic gambol, exult 
and rejoice in the blessings a kind Providence 
bestows upon them. It is one of Nature's 
methods of attesting the consciousness of en- 
joyment. 

Dancing, when viewed in the light of a 
pleasant bodily exercise, is undoubtedly 
healthy and beneficial. It is peculiarly so 
to females, and those whose occupation and 
habits are of a sedentary character. When 
properly engaged in, it strengthens the limbs, 
developes the chest, enlarges the lungs, and 
invigorates the whole system. 

But this pastime is greatly abused, and is 
so perverted as to have become one of the 
most serious evils. In this view, it is subject 
to severe and well-grounded censure. As 
dancing is usually conducted in modern times, 
it has proved one of the greatest evils into 
which the youthful have fallen. The routs 
and balls to which the young resort, as gen- 
erally managed, cannot be too severely con- 
demned. The late hours to which they 
are prolonged — the rich and unhealthy pas- 



112 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

try partaken of in abundance — the intoxicat- 
ing drinks passed around, or conveniently 
found in the side-room, or at the bar — the 
thoughtless manner of dressing, exposing to 
cold and damp, and so confining the lungs, 
that when, by reason of exercise, they need 
the most room for expansion, they have the 
least, thus sowing the seeds of speedy disease 
and early death — the long-continued excite- 
ment and over-fatigue — the improper com- 
pany which often assembles on such occa- 
sions — these all combine to make such assem- 
blages a source of injury hi all their influences 
and consequences. They should be discoun- 
tenanced by every parent and well-wisher of 
public good. The young of both sexes, who 
have any just regard for their morals and 
their health, should avoid these routs, and 
balls, and cotillion parties. Their tendency, 
in every respect, is evil in the extreme. 

Dancing among children, in their pastimes 
— or by young people, at private parties, or 
social gatherings, engaged in temperately, 
and for a brief period, with proper precau- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 113 

tions in regard to health, cannot be objec- 
tionable. In this, as in most other amuse- 
ments, it is the excess, the abuse, that causes 
the injury. 

In urging these considerations on the 
young, I would not seek to deprive them 
of any amusement suited to their age and 
circumstances. Youth is the season of joy- 
ousness — of light-hearted pleasure, and bud- 
ding hope. I would not overshadow one 
ray of its bright and beautiful sunshine — nor 
check one throb of its innocent pleasure. 
The shadows, the cares, and burthens of life, 
will come upon them full early enough, at 
the latest. In the spring-time of their days 
— the delicious, romantic morning of their 
being — they can experience some of the 
sweetest hours of their earthly existence. 
Nor would I rob them of that which God 
and nature designed them to enjoy. But I 
would have them seek for innocent amuse- 
ments—for recreations and enjoyments, of a 
pure and elevated character. None other 
can make them truly happy. All things 



114 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

sinful in their nature, or demoralizing in 
their tendency, are unmitigated evils, de- 
structive in their consequences. However 
attractive they may appear to the inexpe- 
rienced, in the form of amusements, yet in 
the end, they will "bite as a serpent, and 
sting as an adder." 

There is no necessity that the young should 
resort to that which is low and vicious to find 
amusement. A thousand means of recrea- 
tion surround them, of the most harmless 
character. The enjoyments of the paternal 
roof — the social party, where the young en- 
gage in sprightly conversation, or innocent 
pastimes — the friendly call — the perusal of 
interesting and instructive books — the scan- 
ning of the journals of the day, by which 
they can look out upon the shifting scene of 
the busy, restless world — the summer morn- 
ing walk, to behold the opening beauties of 
the glorious day, and listen to the singing of 
the birds, the lowing of the flocks and herds, 
the murmuring of the streamlet, nature's 
early anthem of praise to God — or the even- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 115 

ing ramble, to watch the flowers as they open 
their fragrant leaves to be bathed in sweet 
distilling dews — to gaze upon the golden sun- 
set, making the fleecy clouds to blush with a 
crimson glow, as the king of day bids them 
" good night f or to behold the stars, as one 
by one they come forth to their appointed 
stations, bestudding the whole heavens with 
crystal coronets. — These, O youth ! and count- 
less other fountains, are open for you, from 
which the sweetest and purest enjoyments 
can be obtained. Seek for amusement — for 
pleasure — in these directions, and the cup 
which you press to your lips shall be one of 
unmixed happiness! 

" While some in folly's pleasures roll, 
And court the joys that hurt the soul, 
Be mine that silent, calm repast, 
A conscience peaceful to the last." 



LECTURE V, 

<Kjjt Efliginns lintjiraiits. 

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth."— Eccl. xii. 1. 

HERE are few subjects so 
generally uninteresting to the 
youthful as Religion. The 
great majority prefer to have 
their attention called in any 
other direction, and to be ad- 
dressed on any topic, rather than 
this, which, in fact, is the most 
important of all. There is evi- 
dently a defect somewhere in this 
matter, which should be corrected. 
Where shall we seek for it ? Not in 
any natural, inherent aversion to the 
subject of religion, resting in the hearts of 
the young. It is neither reasonable in itself, 




LECTURES TO YOUTH, 117 

nor respectful to the Creator, to insist lie lias 
so constituted the human soul, that it is nat- 
urally and necessarily indisposed to a topic 
which is most vitally connected with its hap- 
piness, and which should receive a large share 
of its attention. 

This indifference is to be attributed chiefly, 
I think, to improper impressions in regard 
to the nature and objects of religion. The 
young look upon it as something gloomy, 
saddening, and distasteful — something that 
forbids enjoyment, chains in dire bondage 
the free, glad spirit of early life, and casts 
dark and cheerless shadows on the sunshine 
of youth's bright morning ! They imagine 
it to stalk forth from a dark cell, arrayed in 
hood and cowl, to frown upon them in their 
innocent pastimes — to curdle their blood 
with severe rebukes, because of the buoy- 
ancy of their hearts, and to drive them back 
with scowling reprimands, when they would 
walk in the sunny paths which God has 
kindly opened for their elastic footsteps. 
Hence they close their ears to its invitations ; 



118 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

turn away from its instructions, as something 
designed to impose a heavy yoke upon them ; 
and postpone its claims, to be attended to 
among the last acts of life. 

That these views and feelings should widely 
prevail, on a subject so important as religion, 
is a matter of deep regret. They are erro- 
neous and deleterious, in the extreme. Let 
the young strive to become acquainted with 
the true nature of the religion of Christ, and 
they will learn that such are not its require- 
ments, nor its fruits. It is not the purpose 
of its Divine Author to sadden the heart, or 
fill the mind with gloom ; but to cheer and 
gladden the soul, and lead it to the highest 
and sweetest enjoyments of existence. It is 
not the aim of religion to deprive the young 
of any real enjoyment — any recreation proper 
to their age or their nature, as intellectual, 
moral, and spiritual beings. But it would 
assist the young to distinguish between per- 
manent happiness, and those hurtful and 
wicked gratifications which corrupt the heart, 
and plunge the whole being into the dark 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 119 

pool of sin and woe. Religion is the friendly 
Guide sent from our Father in heaven, to 
lead his creatures away from peril and woe, 
and direct their footsteps into the most beau- 
tiful and happy paths of existence. 



" Through life's bewildered way, 
Her hand unerring leads ; 
And o'er the path her heavenly ray 
A cheering lustre sheds." 



What sight can present itself to the eye 
more pleasing than a religious youth. By 
this I do not mean a gloomy, downcast, sor- 
rowful young man, or young woman, whose 
countenance is overcast with shadows, and 
whose presence chills every beholder. It is a 
darkened superstition, a cold, cheerless ascet- 
icism, and not the Christian religion, which 
gives this unnatural and forbidding appear- 
ance. A religious youth is one who is cheer- 
ful and happy — whose countenance is per- 
vaded with an expression of benevolence, a 
smile of contentment — who is constant in at- 
tendance on public worship — who respects 



120 LEG TITHES TO YOUTH. 

the Scriptures, and makes their daily perusal 
one of the fixed duties of life — who loves 
God, and strives faithfully to keep his com- 
mandments — who reverences the Saviour of 
man, and takes him as a pattern in all things 
— who is honest, industrious, economical, and 
strictly temperate. Behold the fair picture ! 
Is it not goodly to look upon ? Can earth 
furnish a spectacle more beautiful ? Such a 
youth is beloved of all men. Angels, Christ, 
the Father, smile their approval on every 
one treading this high pathway 

" Sweet is the early dew 

Which gilds the mountain tops, 
And decks each plant and fiower we view 

With pearly, glittering drops ; 

But sweeter far the scene 

On Zion's holy hill, 
When there the dew of youth is seen 

Its freshness to distill." 

Is there a youth in the audience who does 
not desire to occupy a position so elevated 
and so honorable ? Do not imagine it is be- 
yond your reach. Every one can attain to 
it by proper exertion. It is not difficult of 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 121 

accomplishment. With pure desires, and 
right intentions, nothing is more feasible. 
In fact, so to conduct as to secure such a 
character, and attain to such a position, is 
the most easy, pleasant, and happy path in 
which the young can walk. All others are 
full of difficulty, vexation, trouble, and 
wretchedness. All others yield fruit the 
most bitter and poisonous — fruit which, how- 
ever luscious and tempting it may appear to 
the eye, like the apples of Sodom, will turn 
to ashes in the hand. 

If the young are looking simply for a 
peaceful and happy life, where prosperity 
will be the most likely to attend them, and 
where the richest and choicest blessings will 
be showered on their pathway, they will find 
it in the practice of religion. So far from 
being a heavy burthen, a grievous cross, it is 
the lightener of all burthens, the easiest of 
all yokes, the kindest, truest friend, to help 
along the rough spots, and smile and cheer 
in the darkest hours of man's earthly pil- 
grimage. Listen to the representations of 

6 



122 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

religion found in the Word of Grod : " Wis- 
dom is more precious than rubies ; and all 
things thou canst desire are not to be com- 
pared to her. Length of days is in her right 
hand ; and in her left hand riches and honor. 
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all 
her paths are peace."* " Come, ye children, 
hearken unto me. I will teach you the fear 
[reverence] of the Lord. What man is he 
that desireth life, and loveth many days, 
that he may see good? Keep thy tongue 
from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 
Depart from evil, and do good. Seek peace 
and pursue it."f "Blessed is the man that 
walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, 
nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sit- 
teth in the seat of the scornful. But his de- 
light is in the law of the Lord ; and in his 
law doth he meditate day and night. And 
he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers 
of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his 
season. His leaf also shall not wither. And 
whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." J There 

* Prov. iii. 15, 16, 11. f Ps. xxxiv. 11-14. % Ps - *• *> 2 > 8 - 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 123 

is nothing sad and gloomy in these views ; 
but everything pleasant and inviting. 

I would disabuse the young of the idea 
that religion is needed only by the aged, the 
sick, and the dying ; and that it can be of no 
essential service at other times. It does in- 
deed become the hoary head, more than the 
jewelled diadem. It is the comforter of the 
sick — the supporter of the departing spirit — 
giving it a sustaining power which all earth's 
riches cannot purchase. But religion is quite 
as appropriate and essential to the youthful 
as to the aged and sick. It is equally as im- 
portant that men should live right, as die 
right. There is no way so effectually to in- 
sure a peaceful and happy death, as to live a 
good and useful life. Religion leads to such 
a life, and prepares the way for such a death. 
Hence the necessity that the young should 
give themselves up to its influences in the 
morning of their days, that their meridian 
may be fruitful of good, and their evening 
sunset calm and serene. 

Away, then, with the supposition, that re- 



124 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

ligion is not adapted, nor necessary to youth, 
"The flower of youth never appears more 
beautiful, than when it leans towards the Sun 
of Righteousness." Religion is the brightest 
ornament with which the young can bedeck 
themselves. The fragrant blossom which 
crowns the tree, is not more beautiful, or 
hopeful of coming fruitfulness, than is re- 
ligion to the freshness of youth. Indeed, as 
the blossom is necessary to insure the rich 
and golden fruit, so is early religion requisite 
to a useful and prosperous career. It is the 
best preparation the young can secure for 
after life, whatever calling they may pursue. 
There is no occupation, no pursuit, no pro- 
fession, which they will not be far better 
prepared to enter, by the influence of an en- 
lightened, cheerful, enlarged Christian faith 
and practice. These will interfere with no 
useful enterprise, no honest business, no laud- 
able calling ; nor prevent the prosecution of 
any of the many projects among men, which 
comport with the public good, and are exe- 
cuted on principles of integrity. Religion 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 125 

will make its possessors better and more suc- 
cessful laborers, mechanics, manufacturers, 
agriculturists, merchants, and more respected 
and useful members of any of the learned 
professions. 

If there is any pursuit, any business, which 
you cannot prosecute with the sanction of 
religion, avoid it at once and forever. You 
had better do anything else than engage in 
it. I would have the young strongly im- 
pressed with this view. It would be far pref- 
erable to suffer poverty and obscurity, in an 
honest and useful calling, than to obtain the 
possession and fame of great riches, in a 
pursuit which the pure and enlightened prin- 
ciples of Christianity would condemn. Al- 
though you may succeed in hoarding up 
mountains of gold in such a pursuit, and in 
possessing broad domains and u the cattle on 
a thousand hills," yet all this will not afford 
you one throb of genuine enjoyment. There 
would be that in the manner of obtaining 
these possessions, which would utterly de- 
prive them of all power to impart happiness. 



126 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

Wealth secured by extortion, fraud, or any 
practice or business of a corrupting nature, 
injurious to the morals, and destructive to 
the well-being of community, will be of no 
more value to him who thus obtains it, as far 
as his happiness is concerned, than so much 
dust. It is the consciousness of having ob- 
tained riches in honest and useful pursuits, 
that gives zest and relish to the enjoyments 
they procure. Without this consciousness, 
the man of wealth has less of pure peace and 
happiness than the poorest honest man in the 
wide world. In the very nature of things, 
as a wise and holy God has constituted us, 
this must inevitably be so. All past history 
and experience furnish indubitable proof of 
the correctness of this position. If I can 
impress this single truth on the hearts and 
memories of the youthful, I shall do them a 
service of a value beyond all human compu- 
tation. 

These considerations, I trust, will tend to 
convince the young of the vital importance 
of obtaining now, at the commencement of 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 127 

their career, the direction and influence of 
well-grounded and enlightened religious views 
and principles. I would have them become 
neither fanatics nor bigots ; but would urge 
them to place themselves under the pure and 
divine light of the gospel of Christ, that they 
may be exalted to the highest and noblest 
principles of human action, and to the sum- 
mit of human enjoyment. 

To what sources should the young apply 
for correct religious doctrines and principles ? 
While they should give due heed to the in- 
struction and advice of the learned, the wise 
and good, within whose influence they may 
be thrown, yet they should not depend 
wholly upon these sources for the attainment 
of truth. The wisest and best among reli- 
gious teachers, differ materially on funda- 
mental points. To rely solely on the con- 
victions of others, however exalted their 
talents or sincere their opinions, would be 
injustice to yourselves, and to the truth you 
would obtain. Let no man think for you. 
He who would persuade you to allow him to 



128 LECTURES TO YOUTH, 

do so — who would have you distrust the 
convictions of your own reason, throw aside 
the decisions of your judgment, and allow 
liini to judge and decide for you, in religious 
matters, does in fact assume to be your mas- 
ter, and would reduce you to a poor and 
pitiable spiritual bondage. 

Let not the young overlook the fact, that 
they have been endowed by their Creator 
with the faculties of reason, judgment, and 
discrimination. These must necessarily be 
exercised in forming enlightened religious 
opinions. Those who fail to do this, fall an 
easy prey to every error that will but com- 
mend itself by something novel and startling. 
Christianity is pre-eminently a reasonable 
system of doctrines. There is no topic claim- 
ing the attention of man, in the investigation 
of which it is so important to exercise with 
all deliberation, the highest capacities of 
reason and reflection, as religion. From the 
great multiplicity of opinions which prevail, 
those who are distrustful of their own judg- 
ment and reason, and who are more disposed 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 129 

to receive the ipse dixit of others, than to 
depend on the convictions of the good sense 
with, which they have been endowed, will 
speedily become involved in a labyrinth of 
errors, from which it will be difficult to ex- 
tricate themselves. Let the young, in all 
their religious investigations, hesitate not to 
appeal continually to the highest and noblest 
capacity of their nature, and give all due 
weight to its decisions. Freely, abundantly, 
your Maker has bestowed a reasoning capa- 
city upon you. Freely, unhesitatingly, always 
should you appeal to its directing light. 

Whoever counsel the young against the 
exercise of reason in regard to religion — 
whoever warn them to beware of its decisions 
on a topic so momentous — lay themselves 
open to a just and legitimate suspicion, of 
being the abettors of error. Is not this self- 
evident? Error is born in ignorance. It 
burrows in darkness, and draws all its vital- 
ity from stupid credulity. Enlightened reason 
strips away the false garbs by which it de- 
ceives the thoughtless, reveals its deformities, 



130 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

and holds up its absurdities naked and re- 
pulsive, to the gaze of the passer-by. In 
view of such an unwelcome office, it is natu- 
ral that error should dread the eye of reason, 
should shrink away at its approach, and cry 
out mightily against its scrutiny. 

Not so is it with truth. It cultivates no 
apprehension of reason. It courts, invites 
its approach, and smiles in conscious strength 
at its most critical investigations. Truth has 
everything to gain, and nothing to lose from 
the researches of reason. The clearer and 
keener the eye of the one, the more beauti- 
ful the appearance of the other. Truth and 
Reason are twin sisters, born of God, and 
despatched from heaven, to guide and bless 
earth's children. They are linked together 
inseparably. The one is never found except 
in the presence of the other. Their blended 
light is all that gives value and beauty to 
Christianity, and all that makes it of any 
more importance than the merest heathen 
fable. Mutually they co-operate with, and 
strengthen each other. All Truth is reason- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 131 

able, and all the legitimate deductions of 
Reason are true. Truth forms the vital at- 
mosphere which Reason inhales. Reason is 
the very sunlight in which Truth bathes its 
beauteous form. 

Remember, O youth, religion does not re- 
quire you to separate these heaven-born 
guides to men. Never expect to find reli- 
gious truth, without beholding it radiant 
with the light of reason. Reject without 
hesitation, whatever is presented to you as 
truth, unless reason throws its divine sanction 
around it. In all your investigations, let 
Reason direct your footsteps ; and, guided 
by revelation, it will at last, and unerringly, 
lead you to the glorious abode of Truth. 

It is readily allowed, there are truths in 
Christianity which reason cannot fathom. 
Not because they are opposed to reason, but 
because they are beyond its reach. They 
are infinite, while man's reason is finite. But 
it is only by the light of reason that man 
can see any consistency or propriety in the 
assertion of such truths. Reason may sane- 



132 LECTTT&ES TO YOUTH, 

tion what it cannot fully grasp, as the bound- 
lessness of space, or the endlessness of time. 
One thing may be above reason, another thing 
may be opposed to reason. The former it 
may approve — -the latter it will peremptorily 
condemn. This is an important distinction, 
which should never be overlooked in its 
bearing on religious tenets. 

In all researches for an enlightened reli- 
gious faith, there are but two sources of in- 
formation, on which reliance can be placed 
with entire confidence, viz. the Works of 
Nature, and the Revealed Word of God. 
Both are equally the productions of the In- 
finite Mind, and can be studied with the 
highest profit. 

Nature's works are but an "elder Scrip- 
ture," written by Jehovah's finger. In glow- 
ing suns and stars, we read its brilliant and 
instructive lessons. These all teach us aright 
of the perfections of the Sovereign Creator. 
They are " golden steps," on which the mind 
ascends to a clearer view of the great Creator. 
Behold the overarching canopy with which 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 133 

God has adorned our earthly abode, See 
how it glitters with, burnished worlds, more 
numerous than the dust of earth. All are in 
motion, With a velocity which outstrips the 
wind, they wheel their flight around their 
vast orbits, with a precision which astonishes 
and confounds the beholder, Yonder rolls 
the planet Jupiter. Could I put my finger 
down at a certain point in its orbit, as it 
rushes past, it might exclaim — " Although 
the journey around the orbit in which I re- 
volve, is two thousand nine hundred and six- 
ty-six millions six hundred and sixty-one 
thousand miles, yet in four thousand three 
hundred and thirty-two days, fourteen hours, 
eighteen minutes, and forty-one seconds, I 
will pass this point again ! !" And away it 
flies to fulfil the grand prophecy. I watch 
with intense interest for more than eleven 
years. At length they have expired. The 
days also run by — the hours pass— the 
minutes. And as the clock ticks the forty- 
first second, lo ! old Jupiter wheels past the 
given point, without the variation of the 



i 



134 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

thousandth, part of a moment. Thus it has 
been journeying from the morning of creation. 
Thus perfectly revolve all the heavenly 
bodies. 

" Mysterious round ! what skill, what force divine, 
Deep felt, in these appear ! A single train, 
Yet so delightful mixed, with such kind art, 
Such beauty and beneficence combin'd ; 
Shade, unperceived, so softening into shade ; 
And all so forming an harmonious whole ; 
That as they still succeed, they ravish still." 

In the magnitude of the heavenly bodies, 
and the precision of their movements, we 
behold the most glorious and convincing evi- 
dences of the omnipotence of God's power, 
and the perfection of His wisdom and skill. 
In the splendor of the starry dome of night 
— in the thousand attractions of our earthly 
abode — the loveliness of its summer land- 
scapes — the beauty of its flowers, and the 
balmy fragrance they distil upon the air — in 
the warmth of the precious sunlight, which 
floods hill, valley, field, forest, and ocean — in 
the refreshing influences of the evening dew, 
and "the early and latter rains" — in the 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 135 

grateful breeze which, bears life and health 
to our nostrils— in the rich productions of 
the ever-bountiful soil— in these, in all nature's 
wide departments, we read, with rejoicing 
eyes, the witnesses of the impartial goodness 
and boundless beneficence of the Father of 
spirits ! 

" My heart is awed within me, when I think 
Of the great miracle that still goes on, 
In silence, round me — the perpetual work 
Of thy creation, finished, yet renewed 
Forever. Written on thy works I read 
The lesson of thy Eternity." 

Nature furnishes a thousand evidences of 
man's immortality — that greatest of all truths 
asserted by revelation, and sustained by re- 
ligion. We see a corroboration of this mo- 
mentous fact, in the transformation of the 
loathsome caterpillar into the beautiful but- 
terfly, by the process of an actual death — in 
the dying and reviving of the vegetable 
kingdom — in the luxuriant plant and golden 
harvest, springing from the dead body of the 
seed — in the numerous forms and processes in 
which life springs from death all around us. 



"*. 



136 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

" Oh, listen, man, 
A voice within us speaks the startling word, 
* Man, thou shalt never die !' Celestial voices 
Hymn it round our souls; according harps, 
By angel ringers touched when the mild stars 
Of morning sang together, sounds forth still 
The song of our great immortality ; 
Thick-clustering orbs, and this our fair domain, 
The tall, dark mountains, and the deep-toned seas, 
Join in the solemn, universal song. 
O, listen, ye, our spirits ; drink it in 
From all the air! 'Tis in the gentle moonlight: 
Is floating in day's setting glories ; Night, 
Wrapped in her sable robe, with silent step 
Comes to our bed and breathes it in our ears. 
Night and the dawn, bright day and thoughtful eve, 
All times, all bounds, the limitless expanse, 
As one great mystic instrument, are touched 
By an unseen, living Hand, and conscious chords 
Quiver with joy in this great jubilee. 
The dying hear it ; and as sounds of earth 
Grow dull and distant, wake their passing souls 
To mingle in this passing melody."* 

Still more valuable resources for the attain- 
ment of religious truths are found in the 
holy Scriptures — the revealed word of the 
Most High. In forming their religious opin- 
ions, let the young fail not to make these 
sacred pages their constant study. Nor should 
they dream they will find there any contra- 

* Dana. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 137 

diction to the lessons read on the broad pages 
of Nature's book. These are but different 
methods in which the same God reveals him- 
self to his creatures. He will not contradict 
himself. His revealed word as plainly asserts 
his power, wisdom, and goodness, as his 
works shadow forth these glorious perfec- 
tions. While the Scriptures do not contradict 
the voice uttered by nature, they lead us to 
higher departments of religion, and to clearer 
revelations of God and his character. They 
represent him as a Father, exercising a pa- 
rental government over man — a government 
characterized by benevolence, justice, mercy, 
and truth, and administered for the promo- 
tion of his own glory, and the highest good 
of those called to obey. The Scriptures, 
moreover, bring to our knowledge the Son of 
God and his gospel — presenting us in the life 
of Jesus Christ, a beautiful example of truth, 
purity, righteousness, and love, and imparting, 
in his teachings, the most perfect rules of hu- 
man conduct, and the brightest anticipations 
of life and immortality beyond the grave. 



138 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

In perusing tlie Scriptures, let reason be 
your guide. Reason should not be elevated 
above the Scriptures ; yet they cannot be 
understood without its aid. The Creator, in 
the Bible, addresses himself directly to man's 
reason: "Come now, and let us reason to- 
gether, saith the Lord." * Without the ex- 
ercise of reason in reading the Bible, it will 
be as a sealed book. How else can man com- 
prehend its truths, and be instructed by its 
rich lessons of wisdom ? In the exercise of 
this highest capacity bestowed upon us, the 
word of God will appear harmonious in all 
its parts — beautiful and sublime in all its 
truths — instructive in all its lessons — inspir- 
ing the brightest, broadest hopes the mind 
can conceive. But lay reason aside, in its 
perusal, and it will be involved in inextrica- 
ble confusion, and impenetrable darkness. 

The young should not lose sight of the 
fact, that we have the Bible only in the form 
of a translation by uninspired men, from the 
original Hebrew and Greek, in which it was 

* Isaiah i. 18. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 139 

penned by the inspired writers. Hence it 
should not seem surprising that there are 
some inaccuracies connected with this trans- 
lation ; nor that certain words, allusions, and 
forms of speech, appear obscure and unintel- 
ligible. There is a plain and simple rule by 
which all obscure and disputed words and 
passages should be understood. Give them 
such construction as will most perfectly cor- 
respond with the attributes and character of 
God, as revealed in his word and works, his 
omnipotence and omniscience, his wisdom and 
goodness, his justice and mercy — and as will 
best accord with the grace and love which 
moved the Saviour in his divine mission to 
the earth. 

For the following excellent suggestions in 
regard to the study of the Scriptures, I am 
indebted to a popular writer of the present 
day. 

" On the Sabbath the Bible should be 
studied. Every person, old or young, igno- 
rant or learned, should devote a portion of 
time every Sabbath to the study of the 



140 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

Scriptures, in the more strict and proper 
sense of that term. But to show precisely 
what I mean by this weekly study of the 
Bible, I will describe a particular case. A 
young man with only such opportunities as 
are possessed by all, resolves to take this 
course. He selects the Epistle to the Ephe- 
sians for his first subject ; he obtains such 
books and helps as he finds in his own fam- 
ily, or as he can obtain from a religious 
friend, or procure from a Sabbath-school 
library. It is not too much to suppose that 
he will have a sacred Atlas, some Commen- 
tary, and probably a Bible Dictionary. He 
should also have pen, ink, and paper ; and 
thus provided, he sits down Sabbath morn- 
ing to his work. He raises a short but heart- 
felt prayer to God that he will assist and 
bless him, and then commences his inquiries. 
" The Epistle to the Ephesians I have sup- 
posed to be his subject. He sees that the 
first question evidently is, 4 Who were the 
Ephesians T He finds the city of Ephesus 
upon the map ; and from the preface to the 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 141 

Epistle contained in the commentary, or from 
any other source to which lie can have ac- 
cess, lie learns what sort of a city it was — 
what was the character of the inhabitants, 
and if possible, what condition the city was 
in at the time this letter was written. He 
next inquires in regard to the writer of this 
letter or Epistle, as it is called. It was 
Paul ; and what did Paul know of the Ephe- 
sians ? had he ever been there ? or was he 
writing to strangers ? To settle these points, 
so evidently important to a correct under- 
standing of the letter, he examines the Acts 
of the Apostles, (in which an account of St. 
Paul's labors is contained,) to learn whether 
Paul went there, and if so, what happened 
while he was there. He finds that many in- 
teresting incidents occurred during Paul's 
visits, and his curiosity is excited to know 
whether these things will be alluded to in 
the letter ; he also endeavors to ascertain 
where Paul was when he wrote the letter. 
After having thus determined everything re- 
lating to the circumstances of the case, he is 



142 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

prepared to come to the Epistle itself, and 
enter with spirit and interest into an exami- 
nation of its contents. 

" He first glances his eye cursorily through, 
the chapters of the book, that he may take 
in at once a general view of its object and 
design — perhaps he makes out a brief list of 
the topics discussed, and thus has a distinct 
general idea of the whole before he enters 
into a minute examination of the parts. This 
minute examination he comes to at last — 
though perhaps the time devoted to the 
study for tivo or three Sabbaths is spent in 
the preparatory inquiries. If it is so, it is 
time well spent ; for by it he is now pre- 
pared to enter with interest into the very 
soul and spirit of the letter. While he was 
ignorant of these points, his knowledge of 
the Epistle itself must have been very vague 
and superficial. Suppose I were now to in- 
troduce into this book a letter, and should 
begin at once, without saying by whom the 
letter was written, or to whom it was ad- 
dressed. It would be preposterous. If I 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 143 

wished to excite your interest, I should de- 
scribe particularly the parties, and the cir- 
cumstances which produced the letter origi- 
nally. And yet how many Christians there 
are, who could not tell whether Paul's letter 
to the Ephesians was written before or after 
he went there, or where Titus was when 
Paul wrote to him, or for what special pur- 
pose he wrote ! 

" This method of studying the Scriptures, 
which I have thus attempted to describe, and 
which I might illustrate by supposing many 
other cases, is not intended for one class 
alone ; not for the ignorant peculiarly, nor 
for the wise ; not for the rich, nor for the 
poor ; but for all. The solitary widow, in 
her lonely cottage among the distant moun- 
tains, with nothing but her simple Bible in 
her hand, by the light of her evening fire, 
may pursue this course of comparing Scrip- 
ture with Scripture, and entering into the 
spirit of sacred story, throwing herself back 
to ancient times, and thus preparing herself 
to grasp more completely, and to feel more 



144 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

vividly the moral lessons which the Bible is 
mainly intended to teach. And the most 
cultivated scholar may pursue this course in 
his quiet study, surrounded by all the helps 
to a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures 
which learning can produce or wealth obtain. 

" I hope the specimens I have given are 
sufficient to convey to my readers the gene- 
ral idea I have in view, when I speak of 
studying the Bible, in contradistinction from 
the mere cursory reading of it, which is so 
common among Christians. 

44 Select some subject upon which a good 
deal of information may be found in various 
parts of the Bible, and make it your object 
to bring together into one view all that the 
Bible says upon that subject. Take for in- 
stance the life of the Apostle Peter. Sup- 
pose you make it your business on one Sab- 
bath, with the help of a brother, or sister, or 
any other friend who will unite with you in 
the work, to obtain all the information 
which the Bible gives in regard to him. By 
the help of the Concordance you find all the 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 145 

places in which lie is mentioned— you com- 
pare the various accounts in the Four Gos- 
pels ; see in what they agree and in what 
they differ. After following clown his his- 
tory as far as the Evangelists bring it, you 
take up the book of the Acts, and go through 
that for information in regard to this Apos- 
tle, omitting those parts which relate to other 
subjects. In this way you become fully ac- 
quainted with his character and history ; 
you understand it as a whole. 

" Jerusalem is another good subject, and 
the examination would afford scope for the 
exercise of the faculties of the highest minds 
for many Sabbaths : find when the city is 
first named, and from the manner in which 
it is mentioned, and the circumstances con- 
nected with the earliest accounts of it, ascer- 
tain what sort of a city it was at that time. 
Then follow its history down ; notice the 
changes as they occur ; understand every 
revolution, examine the circumstances of 
every battle and siege of which it is the 
scene, and thus become acquainted with its 

7 



146 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

whole story down to the time when the 
sacred narration leaves it. To do this well, 
will require patient and careful investiga- 
tion. You cannot do it as you can read a 
chapter, carelessly and with an unconcerned 
and uninterested mind ; you must, if you 
would succeed in such an investigation, en- 
gage in it in earnest. And that is the very 
advantage of such a method of study; it 
breaks up effectually that habit of listless, 
dull, inattentive reading of the Bible which 
so extensively prevails. 

"You may take the subject of the Sab- 
bath ; examine the circumstances of its first 
appointment, and then follow its history 
down, so far as it is given in the Bible, to 
the last Sabbath alluded to on the sacred 
pages. 

" The variety of topics which might profit- 
ably be studied in this way is vastly greater 
than would at first be supposed. There are 
a great number of biographical and geo- 
graphical topics — a great number which re- 
late to manners, and customs, and sacred in- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 147 

structions. In fact, the whole Bible may be 
analyzed in this way, and its various contents 
brought before the mind in new aspects, and 
with a freshness and vividness which, in the 
mere repeated reading of the Scriptures in 
regular course, can never be seen."* 

In connection with this general subject, I 
would make a few suggestions to the young, 
in regard to those who differ from them on 
religious doctrines. That there should be a 
diversity of opinions in respect to a subject 
so purely speculative as religion, should not 
be a matter of surprise. Indeed, when the 
disparity in strength of mind, intelligence, 
discrimination, early instruction, and educa- 
tional bias, which prevails in society, is taken 
into consideration, it would be singular if 
religious differences did not exist. Our civil 
institutions and laws, guaranteeing unto every 
individual unlimited freedom of opinion, en- 
courage investigations which tend, for a 
definite period at least, to produce these 
differences. 

* Abbott's Young Christian. 



•= 



148 LECTURES TO YOUTH, 

There are not a few who view with alarm 
the multiplicity of religious doctrines and 
sects, which prevails in our day. They are 
disposed to look upon it as an imperfection in 
our institutions, or as a token of the degen- 
eracy of our age; and they fear that the 
most disastrous consequences will flow from 
it to Christianity. I cannot but view these 
apprehensions as groundless. They seem to 
grow out of a singular want of knowledge of 
the organism of the human mind. Moreover, 
they indicate an erroneous conception of the 
inherent power of truth ; and a marvellous 
lack of confidence in the self-sustaining capa- 
city of the Christian religion. If Christianity 
cannot exist and progress among men without 
chaining the human mind in bondage, stifling 
all research, and forbidding a critical investi- 
gation of doctrines put forth in its name, 
then it must at length become extinct. Men 
will and must think, reason, investigate, on 
religious subjects, as well as other topics, 
whatever result may follow. I cherish, how- 
ever, none of these fears. The multiplicity 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 149 

of denominations, and the diversity of opin- 
ions, can work no serious injury to religion. 
The discussions, researches, and critical ex- 
aminations, which necessarily grow out of this 
state of things, will but sift error from truth ; 
and result, ultimately, in laying broader and 
deeper the foundations of pure Christianity 
in human society ; bringing out its highest 
excellencies and beauties to the admiration 
of men, and elevating it far above the 
poisoned arrows of scepticism. It is the 
errors engrafted on Christianity, in dark and 
ignorant ages, that have given the infidel all 
his weapons of attack. When these errors 
shall at length all be detected and expunged 
by candid research, and faithful investigation, 
the shafts of the sceptic will fall harmless at 
the base of the graceful and glorious temple 
of Christ's religion. In the words of John 
Milton — " Though all the winds of doctrine 
were let loose to play upon the earth, so 
truth be in the field, we do injuriously * * * 
to misdoubt her strength. Let her and false- 
hood grapple. Who ever knew truth put 



150 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

to the worse in a free and open encoun- 
ter?" 

"What line of conduct should the young 
adopt towards those who differ from them 
on religious doctrines ? 

In the first place, let it never be forgotten 
that others have the same civil, moral, and 
religious right to differ in sentiment from 
you, that you have from them. This right 
is recognized by our republican government, 
and is sanctioned by the gospel. One of the 
directions of the Saviour is, that men should 
" search the Scriptures." * There would be no 
propriety in this commandment, had not in- 
dividuals the ri^ht to understand the teach- 
ings of the Scriptures, according to their 
best judgment, with the light they possess. 
Moreover, Protestantism allows among its 
first principles, the legitimate right of indi- 
vidual interpretation of the Scriptures, and 
private judgment in religious matters. It 
was for this right that Luther and Zuinglius, 
Melancthon and Calvin, and all the Refor- 

* John y. 39. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 151 

mers, contended against the arrogant assump- 
tion of the Roman Church, That Church 
insisted that the people were not to under- 
stand the Scriptures for themselves, but were 
bound to receive, unquestioned, such inter- 
pretations as the bishop or priest should 
teach them. Whoever deny freedom of 
opinion, in regard to religion, to all men, 
clearly violate the spirit of the gospel, the 
recognized rights conferred by the Protestant 
religion, and the sanctions of our political 
institutions. 

Admitting then, as you must, the privilege 
of others to differ from you in religious sen- 
timent, you should not allow that difference 
to be a matter of offence. It should be no 
disparagement in your view, nor lessen them 
in your estimation. However great you may 
consider the errors of your neighbors, if 
you are satisfied they are sincere, you should 
respect them for their sincerity ! Hypocrisy, 
in every form, should be denounced. Those 
who profess to believe what they do not, or 
to be what they are not — who assume the 



152 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

Christian name when they are in fact, but 
bitter and narrow-minded bigots — are only 
worthy to be heartily despised. 

Let me caution the young, also, against a 
spirit of exclusiveness. In our age and 
country, a religious aristocracy is no more to 
be acknowledged than a political. All de- 
nominations stand on an equality, in their 
rights and privileges, and in the estimation 
in which they are to be held as public 
bodies. No sect can put on airs, and assume 
to lord it over others, in any respect what- 
ever, without subjecting itself to the severest 
censure. Among the rights belonging equally 
to all, is the Christian name. Every denomi- 
nation which receives the Scriptures as the 
inspired word of God, and believes in Jesus 
Christ, as the Son of God and the Saviour 
of men, is justly entitled to the name of 
Christian, and to be acknowledged and 
treated as such. This is the only test laid 
down in the New Testament, as a careful 
examination mil satisfy the candid mind. 

For any one sect to attempt to monopolize 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 153 

the Christian name, and assume that all the 
piety, godliness, and virtue in the land, is to 
be found in its borders alone, is to place 
itself in a most ridiculous position. A pre- 
tence so arrogant and groundless, in our en- 
lightened day, can have no other effect than 
to excite a smile of pity on the countenance 
of sincere and candid Christians. I would 
have the young give no countenance to these 
pretensions ; but seek to attain to higher and 
nobler principles. Let them place sectarian 
bitterness and prejudice beneath their feet, 
and imbibe enough of the Christian spirit 
to acknowledge freely, that, in all denomina- 
tions, good and pious people can be found. 

In estimating those of other views, the 
young should avoid denouncing a whole de- 
nomination, and condemning their doctrines 
as demoralizing, because some corrupt men 
may have been found in their midst. If 
this rule of judging was generally adopted, 
where is there a class of Christians which 
could stand? Were there not among the 
chosen twelve of our Saviour, a Judas to 
7* 



154 LECTURES TO YOUTH, 

betray Mm, and a Peter to deny Mm with, 
oaths ? Shall we, therefore, insist that Chris- 
tianity is false and corrupting ? There are 
few sects in the land, which have not had 
both clergymen and church-members guilty 
of the most corrupt practices. Are we to 
conclude from this, that the doctrines of those 
who have had these unworthy members, are 
false and licentious? Who are willing to 
adopt this test? A denomination cannot 
consistently apply a test to others which they 
are not willing to abide by themselves. 

Candor will lead all upright minds to 
acknowledge that corrupt men will find their 
way into every sect, and that it is manifestly 
wrong to judge of the whole body by this 
class. To decide of the practical tendencies 
of different and conflicting doctrines, seek 
to understand their effect on the great mass 
of those who receive them. Do they influ- 
ence them to honesty, industry, benevolence 
and neighborly kindness ? Do they inspire 
respect for the rights and interest of fellow- 
beings ? Do they open the ear to the cry 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 155 

of poverty and want? Do they lead to a 
love supreme to God, and to our neighbor 
as ourselves ? These are the legitimate fruits 
of Christianity. Where they abound, you 
need not doubt the spirit of Christ prevails, 
and that the truths of his gospel are in the 
midst of such a people. 

I would exhort the young to respect re- 
ligion, in whatever form they find it, and 
to have a high and just regard for the rights 
and feelings of professing Christians of every 
class. In this, as in all things else, be gov- 
erned by the Redeemer's golden rule — " All 
things whatsoever ye would that men should 
do unto you, do ye even so unto them." 

Amid the multiplicity of sects and doc- 
trines, let every youth search for religious 
truth, as the " pearl of great price !" Be 
careful that your researches are in the right 
direction — not downward to the dark and 
mysterious of past and ignorant ages, but 
upward to the bright, the simple, and glorious. 
Ever seek for expansive and enlightened 
conceptions of God, his character and pur- 



156 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

p 0ses — of Christ, liis gospel and its results— 
of man, his nature, his high relationship, his 
duty and destiny. The more elevated and 
comprehensive your views on these subjects, 
the more exalted will be your feelings and 
principles of action ; and the better will you 
be prepared to live a life of purity and use- 
fulness, and to die triumphing in the brightest 
and sweetest hopes of immortal light and 
happiness, 

In concluding this subject, I would call 
attention to the following suggestions of sev- 
eral able writers, in regard to Eeligion and 
its influence on its possessors : — 

a In the great and universal concern of 
religion, both sexes, and all ranks are equally 
interested. The truly catholic spirit of Chris- 
tianity accommodates itself, with an astonish- 
ing condescension, to the circumstances of the 
whole human race. It rejects none on ac- 
count of their pecuniary wants, their personal 
infirmities, or their intellectual deficiencies. 
No superiority of parts is the least recom- 
mendation, nor is any depression of fortune 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 157 

the smallest objection. None are too wise 
to be excused from performing the duties of 
religion, nor are any too poor to be excluded 
from the consolations of its promises. 

" If we admire tlie wisdom of God in hav- 
ing furnished different degrees of intelligence, 
so exactly adapted to their different condi- 
tions, and in having fitted every part of this 
stupendous work, not only to serve its own 
immediate purpose, but also to contribute to 
the beauty and perfection of the whole ; how 
much more ought we to adore that goodness 
which has perfected the divine plan, by ap- 
pointing one wide and comprehensive means 
of salvation : a salvation which all are invited 
to partake ; by a means which all are capable 
of using ; which nothing but voluntary blind- 
ness can prevent our comprehending, and 
nothing but wilful error can hinder us from 
embracing. 

" The muses are coy, and will only be wooed 
and won by some highly-favored suitors. The 
sciences are lofty, and will not stoop to the 
reach of ordinary capacities. But 4 wisdom 



158 LECTURES TO YOUTH, 

(by which the royal preacher means piety) 
is a loving spirit ; she is easily seen of them 
that love her, and found of all such as seek 
her.' Nay, she is so accessible and conde- 
scending, 'that she preventeth them that 
desire her, making herself first known unto 
them.' 

" "We are told by the same animated writer, 
c that wisdom is the breath of the power of 
God.' How infinitely superior in grandeur 
and sublimity, is this description to the origin 
of the wisdom of the heathens, as described 
by their poets and mythologists ! In the 
exalted strains of the Hebrew poetry, we 
read, that ' wisdom is the brightness of the 
everlasting light, the unspotted mirror of 
the power of God, and the image of his 
goodness.' 

" The philosophical author of 4 The Defence 
of Learning,' observes, that knowledge has 
something of venom and malignity in it, 
when taken without its proper corrective; 
and what that is, the inspired St. Paul teaches 
us, by placing it as the immediate antidote — 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 159 

' Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.' 
Perhaps it is the vanity of human wisdom, 
unchastised by this correcting principle, which 
has made so many infidels. It may proceed 
from the arrogance of a self-sufficient pride, 
that some philosophers disdain to acknowl- 
edge their belief in a Being who has judged 
proper to conceal from them the infinite wis- 
dom of his counsels ; who (to borrow the 
lofty language of the man of Uz) refused to 
consult them when he laid the foundations 
of the earth, when he shut up the sea with 
doors, and made the clouds the garment 
thereof. 

"A man must be an infidel either from 
pride, prejudice, or bad education ; he cannot 
be one unawares, or by surprise ; for infidel- 
ity is not occasioned by sudden impulse or 
violent temptation. He may be hurried by 
some vehement desire into an immoral action, 
at which he will blush in his cooler moments, 
and which he will lament as the sad effect of 
a spirit unsubdued by religion ; but infidelity 
is a calm, considerate act, which cannot plead 



160 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

the weakness of the heart, or the seduction 
of the senses. Even good men frequently 
fail in their duty through the infirmities of 
nature and the allurements of the world; 
but the infidel errs on a plan, on a settled 
and deliberate principle. 

" But though the minds of men are some- 
times fatally infected with this disease, either 
through unhappy prepossession, or some of 
the other causes above-mentioned, yet I am 
unwilling to believe that there is in nature 
so monstrously incongruous a being as a fe- 
male infidel. The least reflection on the tem- 
per, the character, and the education of wo- 
men, makes the mind revolt with horror from 
an idea so improbable and so unnatural. 

"May I be allowed to observe that, in 
general, the ininds of girls seem more aptly 
prepared in their early youth for the reception 
of serious impressions than those of the other 
sex, and that their less exposed situations in 
more advanced life qualify them better for 
the preservation of them ! The daughters 
(of good parents I mean) are often more care- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 161 

fully instructed in their religious duties than 
the sons, and this froni a variety of causes. 
Tliey are not so soon sent from under the 
paternal eye into the bustle of the world, 
and so early exposed to the contagion of bad 
example : their hearts are naturally more 
flexible, soft, and liable to any kind of im- 
pression the forming hand may stamp on 
them ; and, lastly, as they do not receive the 
same classical education with boys, their 
feeble minds are not obliged at once to re- 
ceive and separate the precepts of Christian- 
ity, and the documents of pagan philosophy. 
The necessity of doing this perhaps somewhat 
weakens the serious impressions of young 
men, at least till the understanding is formed ; 
and confuses their ideas of piety, by mixing 
them with so much heterogeneous matter. 
They only casually read, or hear read, the 
Scriptures of truth, while they are obliged 
to learn by heart, construe, and repeat, the 
poetical fables of the less than human gods 
of the ancients. And, as the excellent author 
of i The Internal Evidence of the Christian 



162 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

Religion' observes, 'Nothing lias so much 
contributed to corrupt the true spirit of the 
Christian institution, as that partiality which 
we contract, in our earliest education, for the 
manners of pagan antiquity.' 

" Girls, therefore, who do not contract this 
early partiality, ought to have a clearer no- 
tion of their religious duties : they are not 
obliged, at an age when the judgment is so 
weak, to distinguish between the doctrines 
of Zeno, of Epicurus, and of Christ ; and to 
embarrass their minds with the various mor- 
als, which were taught in the Porch, in the 
Academy, and on the Mount. 

" It is presumed that these remarks cannot 
possibly be so misunderstood, as to be con- 
strued into the least disrespect to literature, 
or a want of the highest reverence for a 
learned education, the basis of all elegant 
knowledge : they are only intended, with all 
proper deference, to point out to young wo- 
men that, however inferior their advantages 
of acquiring a knowledge of the belles-lettres 
are to those of the other sex, yet it depends 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 163 

on themselves not to be surpassed in this most 
important of all studies, for which their abil- 
ities are equal, and their opportunities per- 
haps greater. 

" But the mere exemption from infidelity 
is so small a part of the religious character, 
that I hope no one will attempt to claim any 
merit from this negative sort of goodness, or 
value herself merely for not being the very 
worst thing she possibly can be. Let no 
mistaken girl fancy she gives a proof of her 
wit by her want of piety, or that a contempt 
of things serious and sacred will exalt her 
understanding, or raise her character even in 
the opinion of the most avowed male infidels. 
For one may venture to affirm, that with all 
their profligate ideas, both of women and 
religion, neither Bolingbroke, Wharton, Buck- 
ingham, or even Lord Chesterfield himself, 
would have esteemed a woman the more for 
her being irreligious. 

"With whatever ridicule a polite free- 
thinker may affect to treat religion himself, 
he will think it necessary his wife should 



164 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

entertain different notions of it. He may 
pretend to despise it as a matter of opinion, 
depending on creeds and systems ; but, if lie 
is a man of sense, lie will know the value of 
it as a governing principle, which is to in- 
fluence her conduct and direct her action. If 
he sees her unaffectedly sincere in the practice 
of her religious duties, it will be a secret 
pledge to him that she will be equally exact 
in fulfilling the conjugal ; for he can have no 
reasonable dependence on her attachment to 
Mm, if he has no opinion of her fidelity to 
God ; for she who neglects first duties, gives 
but an indifferent proof of her disposition to 
fill up inferior ones ; and how can a man of 
any understanding (whatever his own re- 
ligious professions may be) trust that woman 
with the cares of his family, and the education 
of his children, who wants herself the best 
incentive to a virtuous life, the belief that she 
is an accountable creature, and the reflection 
that she has an immortal soul ? 

" Cicero spoke it as the highest commen- 
dation of Cato's character, that he embraced 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 165 

philosophy, not for the sake of disputing like 
a philosopher, "but of living like one. The 
chief purpose of Christian knowledge is to 
promote the great end of a Christian life. 
Every rational woman should, no doubt, be 
able to give a reason of the hope that is in 
her; but this knowledge is best acquired, 
and the duties consequent on it best per- 
formed, by reading books of plain piety and 
practical devotion, and not by entering into 
the endless feuds, and engaging in the un- 
profitable contentions of partial controver- 
sialists. Nothing is more unamiable than 
the narrow spirit of party zeal, nor more 
disgusting than to hear a woman deal out 
judgments, and denounce vengeance, against 
any one who happens to differ from her in 
some opinion, perhaps of no real importance, 
and which, it is probable, she may be just as 
wrong in rejecting, as the object of her cen- 
sure is in embracing. A furious and unmer- 
ciful female bigot wanders as far beyond the 
limits prescribed to her sex, as a Thalestris 
or a Joan d'Arc. Violent debate has made 



166 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

as few converts as the sword; — and both 
these instruments are particularly unbecom- 
ing when wielded by a female hand. 

" But, though no one will be frightened 
out of their opinions, yet they may be per- 
suaded out of them ; they may be touched 
by the affecting earnestness of serious con- 
versation, and allured by the attractive 
beauty of a consistently serious life. And 
while a young woman ought to dread the 
name of a wrangling polemic, it is her duty 
to aspire after the honourable character of a 
sincere Christian. But this dignified charac- 
ter she can by no means deserve, if she is 
ever afraid to avow her principles, or ashamed 
to defend them. A profligate, who makes it 
a point to ridicule everything which comes 
under the appearance of formal instruction, 
will be disconcerted at the spirited, yet 
modest rebuke of a pious young woman. 
But there is as much efficacy in the manner 
of reproving profaneness, as in the words. If 
she corrects it with moroseness, she defeats 
the effect of her remedy by her unskilful 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 167 

manner of administering it. If, on the other 
hand, she affects to defend the insulted cause 
of God in a faint tone of voice, and studied 
ambiguity of phrase, or with an air of levity, 
and a certain expression of pleasure in her 
eyes, which proves she is secretly delighted 
with what she pretends to censure, she injures 
religion much more than he did who publicly 
profaned it ; for she plainly indicates, either 
that she does not believe or respect what she 
professes. The other attacked it as an open 
foe ; she betrays it as a false friend. No one 
pays any regard to the opinion of an avowed 
enemy ; but the desertion or treachery of a 
professed friend is dangerous indeed !" 

" A desire after happiness is inseparable 
from the human mind. It is the natural and 
healthy craving of our spirit; an appetite 
which we have neither will nor power to 
destroy, and for which all mankind are 
busily employed in making provision. This 
is as natural, as for birds to fly, or fishes to 
swim. For this the scholar and the philoso- 



168 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

pier, who tliink it consists in knowledge, 
pore over tlieir books and their apparatus, 
light the midnight lamp, and keep frequent 
vigils, when the world around them is asleep. 
For this the warrior, who thinks that happi- 
ness is inseparably united with fame, pursues 
that bubble through the gory field of con- 
flict, and is as lavish of his life, as if it were 
not worth a soldier's pay. The worldling, 
with whom happiness and wealth are kindred 
terms, worships daily at the shrine of Mam- 
mon, and offers earnest prayers for the golden 
shower. The voluptuary gratifies every crav- 
ing sense, rejoices in the midnight revel, ren- 
ders himself vile, and yet tells you he is in 
the chase of happiness. The ambitious man, 
conceiving that the great desideratum blos- 
soms on the sceptre, and hangs in rich clus- 
ters from the throne, consumes one half of 
his life, and embitters the other half, in 
climbing the giddy elevation of royalty. All 
these, however, have confessed their disap- 
pointment ; and have retired from the stage 
exclaiming, in reference to happiness, what 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 169 

Brutus, just before lie stabbed himself, did 
in reference to virtue, ' I have pursued thee 
everywhere, and found thee nothing but a 
name.' This, however, is a mistake ; for both 
virtue and happiness are glorious realities, 
and if they are not found, it is merely be- 
cause they are not sought from the right 
sources. 

" 1. That religion is pleasure, will appear, 
if you consider what part of our nature it 
more particularly employs and gratifies. 

" It is not the gratification of the senses^ or 
of the animal part of our nature, but a provi- 
sion for the immaterial and immortal mind. 
The mind of man is an image not only of 
God's spirituality, but of his infinity. It is not 
like the senses, limited to this or that kind of 
object ; as the sight intermeddles not with 
that which affects the smell ; but with an 
universal superintendence, it arbitrates upon, 
and takes them all in. It is, as I may say, 
an ocean, into which all the little rivulets of 
sensation, both external and internal, dis- 
charge themselves. Now this is that part of 



170 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

man to which the exercises of religion prop- 
erly belong. The pleasures of tlie under- 
standing, in the contemplation of truth, have 
been sometimes so great, so intense, so en- 
grossing of all the powers of the soul, that 
there has been no room left for any other 
kind of pleasure. How short of this are the 
delights of the epicure ! How vastly dispro- 
portionate are the pleasures of the eating, 
and of the thinking man ! Indeed, says Dr. 
South, as different as the silence of an Archi- 
niides in the study of a problem, and the 
stillness of a swine at her wash. Nothing is 
comparable to the pleasures of mind ; these 
are enjoyed by the spirits above, by Jesus 
Christ, and the great and blessed God. 

" Think what objects religion brings before 
the mind, as the sources of its pleasure : no 
less than the great God himself, and that 
both in his nature and in his works. For 
the eye of religion, like that of the eagle, di- 
rects itself chiefly to the sun, to a glory that 
neither admits of a superior nor an equal. 
The mind is conversant, in the exercises of 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 171 

piety, with all the most stupendous events 
that have ever occurred in the history of the 
universe, or that ever will transpire till the 
close of time. The creation of the world; 
its government by a universal Providence ; 
its redemption by the death of Christ ; its 
conversion by the power of the Holy Ghost ; 
the immortality of the soul ; the resurrection 
of the body ; the certainty of an eternal ex- 
istence ; the secrets of the unseen state ; sub- 
jects, all of them of the loftiest and sub- 
limest kind, which have engaged the inqui- 
ries of the profoundest intellects, are the mat- 
ter of contemplation to real piety. What 
topics are these for our reason, under the 
guidance of religion, to study : what an ocean 
to swim in, what a heaven to soar in : what 
heights to measure, what depths to fathom. 
Here are subjects, which, from their infinite 
vastness, must be ever new, and ever fresh ; 
which can be never laid aside as dry or 
empty. If novelty is the parent of pleasure, 
here it may be found ; for although the sub- 
ject itself is the same, some new view of it, 



172 LECTUHES TO YOUTH. 

some fresh discovery of its wonders, is ever 
bursting upon the mind of the devout and 
attentive inquirer after truth. 

" How then can religion be otherwise than 
pleasant, when it is the exercise of the noble 
faculties of the mind, upon the sublimest 
topics of mental investigation ; the volun- 
tary, excursive, endless pursuits of the hu- 
man understanding in the region of eternal 
truth. Never was there a more interesting 
or important inquiry than that proposed by 
Pilate to the illustrious Prisoner at his bar ; 
and if the latter thought it not proper to an- 
swer it, it was not to show that the question 
was insignificant, but to condemn the light 
and flippant manner in which a subject so 
important was taken up. Religion can an- 
swer the question, and with an ecstasy greater 
than that of the ancient Mathematician, ex- 
claims, c I have found it : I have found it.' 
The Bible is not only true, but truth. It 
contains that which deserves this sublime 
emphasis. It settles the disputes of ages, 
and of philosophers, and makes known what 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 173 

is truth, and where it is to be found. It 
brings us from amongst the quicksands and 
shelves, and rocks of skepticism, ignorance, 
and error, and shows us that goodly land, in 
quest of which myriads of minds have sailed, 
and multitudes have been wrecked ; and re- 
ligion is setting our foot on this shore, and 
dwelling in the region of eternal truth. 

" 2. That a religious life is pleasant, is evi- 
dent from the nature of religion itself. 

" Religion is a principle of spiritual life in 
the soul. Now all the exercises and acts of 
vitality are agreeable. To see, to hear, to 
taste, to walk, are all agreeable, because they 
are the voluntary energies of inward life. 
So religion, in all its duties, is the exercise 
of a living principle in the soul : it is a new 
spiritual existence. Piety is a spiritual taste. 
Hence it is said, ' If so be ye have tasted that 
the Lord is gracious.' No matter what the 
object of a taste is, the exercises of it are al- 
ways agreeable. The painter goes with de- 
light to his picture ; the musician to his in- 
strument ; the sculptor to his bust ; because 



174 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

they have a taste for these pursuits. The 
same feeling of delight attends the Christian 
to the exercises of godliness : and this is his 
language, i It is a good thing to give thanks, 
and to draw near to God. O how I love thy 
law ! it is sweeter to my taste than honey. 
How amiable are thy tabernacles.' Religion, 
where it is real, is the natural element of a 
Christian ; and every creature rejoices in its 
own appropriate sphere. If you consider 
true piety with disgust, as a hard, unnatural, 
involuntary thing, you are totally ignorant 
of its nature, entirely destitute of its influ- 
ence, and no wonder you cannot attach to it 
the idea of pleasure : but viewing it as it 
ought to be viewed, in the light of a new 
nature, you will perceive that it admits of 
most exalted delight. 

" 3. Consider the miseries which it pre- 
vents. 

" It does not, it is true, prevent sickness, 
poverty, or misfortune : it does not fence off 
from the wilderness of this world, a mystic 
enclosure, within which the ills of life never 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 175 

intrude. No ; these things happen to all 
alike ; but how small a portion of human 
wretchedness flows from these sources, com- 
pared with that which arises from the dispo- 
sitions of the heart. 4 The mind is its own 
place, can make a heaven of hell, a hell of 
heaven.' Men carry the springs of their hap- 
piness or misery in their own bosom. Hence 
it is said of the wicked, ' that they are like 
the troubled sea which cannot rest, which is 
never at peace, but continually casting up 
mire and dirt. 7 In contrast with which, it is 
affirmed that c the work of righteousness is 
peace ; and that the good man shall be satis- 
fied from himself.' "Would you behold the 
misery entailed hj pride, look at Haman ; by 
covetousness, look at Ahab ; by malice, look 
at Cain ; by profaneness and sensuality, 
united with the forebodings of a guilty con- 
science, look at Belshazzar ; by envy, and a 
consciousness of being rejected of God, look 
at Saul ; by revenge, look at Herodias writh- 
ing beneath the accusations of John, and 
thirsting for his blood ; by apostasy, look at 



r 



176 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

Judas. Religion would have prevented all 
this, and it will prevent similar misery in 
you. Hearken to the confessions of the out- 
cast in the land of his banishment ; of the 
felon in his irons, and in his dungeon ; of the 
prostitute expiring upon her bed of straw ; 
of the malefactor at the gallows — ; Wretch- 
ed creature that I am, abhorred of men, ac- 
cursed of God ! To what have my crimes 
brought me !' Religion prevents all this : 
all that wretchedness which is the result of 
crime, is cut off by the influence of gen- 
uine piety. Misery prevented is happiness 
gained. 

" 4. Consider the consolations it imparts. 

" Our world has been called, in the lan- 
guage of poetry, a vale of tears, and human 
life a bubble, raised from those tears, and in- 
flated by sighs, which, after floating a little 
while, decked with a few gaudy colors, is 
touched by the hand of death, and dissolves. 
Poverty, disease, misfortune, unkindness, in- 
constancy, death, all assail the travellers as 
they journey onward to eternity through 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 177 

this gloomy valley ; and what is to comfort 
them but religion f 

" The consolations of religion are neither 
few nor small ; they arise in part from those 
things which we have already mentioned in 
this chapter ; i. e. from the exercise of the 
understanding on the revealed truths of God's 
word, from the impulses of the spiritual life 
within us, and from a reflection upon our 
spiritual privileges ; but there are some 
others, which, though partially implied in 
these things, deserve a special enumeration 
and distinct consideration. 

" A good conscience, which the wise man 
says is a perpetual feast, sustains a high place 
amongst the comforts of genuine piety. It 
is unquestionably true, that a man's happi- 
ness is in the keeping of his conscience ; all 
the sources of his felicity are under the com- 
mand of this faculty. 'A wounded spirit 
who can bear V A troubled conscience con- 
verts a paradise into a hell, for it is the 
flame of hell kindled on earth ; but a quiet 
conscience would illuminate the horrors of 



178 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

the deepest dungeon with the beams of heav- 
enly day ; the former has often rendered 
men like tormented fiends amidst an elysium 
of delights, while the latter has taught the 
songs of cherubim to martyrs in the prison 
or the flames. 

" In addition to this, religion comforts the 
mind, with the assurance of an all-wise, all- 
pervading Providence, so minute in its su- 
perintendence and control, that not a spar- 
row falls to the ground without the knowl- 
edge of our heavenly Father : a superintend- 
ence which is excluded from no point of space, 
no moment of time, and overlooks not the 
meanest creature in existence. Nor is this 
all; for the Word of God assures the be- 
liever that ' all things work together for good 
to them that love God, who are the called 
according to his purpose.' Nothing that 
imagination could conceive, is more truly 
consolatory than this, to be assured that all 
things, however painful at the time, not ex- 
cepting the failure of our favorite schemes, 
the disappointment of our fondest hopes, the 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 179 

loss of our dearest comforts, shall be over- 
ruled by infinite wisdom for the promotion 
of our ultimate good. This is a spring of 
comfort whose waters never fail. 

" Religion consoles also by making mani- 
fest some of the benefits of affliction, even at 
the time it is endured. It crucifies the world, 
mortifies sin, quickens prayer, extracts the 
balmy sweets of the promises, endears the 
Saviour ; and, to crown all, it directs the 
mind to that glorious state, where the days 
of our mourning shall be ended : that happy 
country where God shall wipe every tear 
from our eyes, and there shall be no more 
sorrow or crying. Nothing so composes the 
mind, and helps it to bear the load of trouble 
which God may lay upon it, as the near pros- 
pect of its termination. Religion shows the 
weather-beaten mariner the haven of eternal 
repose, where no storms arise, and the sea is 
ever calm ; it exhibits to the weary traveller 
the city of habitation, within whose walls he 
will find a pleasant home, rest from his labors, 
and friends to welcome his arrival; it dis- 



180 .LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

closes to the wounded warrior his native 
country, where the alarms of war, and the 
dangers of conflict, will be no more encoun- 
tered, but undisturbed peace forever reign. 
In that one word, heaved, religion provides 
a balm for every wound, a cordial for every 
care. 

" Here, then, is the pleasure of that wis- 
dom which is from above ; it is not only en- 
joyed in prosperity, but continues to refresh 
us, and most powerfully to refresh us, in ad- 
versity ; a remark which will not apply to 
any other kind of pleasured 



"* 



" In many persons, a seriousness and sense 
of awe overspread the imagination, whenever 
the idea of the Supreme Being is presented 
to their thoughts. This effect, which forms 
a considerable security against vice, is the 
consequence not so much of reflection as of 
habit ; which habit being generated by the 
external expressions of reverence which we 
use ourselves, or observe in others, may be 

* Christian Father's Present. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 181 

destroyed by causes opposite to these, and 
especially by that familiar levity with which 
some learn to speak of the Deity, of his attri- 
butes, providence, revelations or worship. 

u God hath been pleased (no matter for 
what reason, although probably for this,) to 
forbid the vain mention of his name : — 4 Thou 
shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God 
in vain.' Now the mention is vain when it 
is useless ; and it is useless when it is neither 
likely nor intended to serve any good pur- 
pose ; as when it flows from the lips idle and 
unmeaning, or is applied, on occasions incon- 
sistent with any consideration of religion and 
devotion, to express our anger, our earnest- 
ness, our courage, or our mirth; or indeed 
when it is used at all, except in acts of reli- 
gion, or in serious and seasonable discourse 
upon religious subjects. 

" The prohibition of the third command- 
ment is recognized by Christ in his sermon 
upon the mount ; which sermon adverts to 
none but the moral parts of the Jewish law : 
4 1 say unto you, swear not at all: but let 



182 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

your communication be Yea, yea ; Nay, nay : 
for whatsoever is more than these cometh of 
evil.' The Jews probably interpreted the 
prohibition as restrained to the name Jeho- 
vah, the name which the Deity had ap- 
pointed and appropriated to himself ; Exod. 
vi. 3. The words of Christ extend the pro- 
hibition beyond the name of God, to every- 
thing associated with the idea :— c Swear not, 
neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; 
nor by the earth, for it is God's footstool ; 
neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the 
Great King." Matt, v. 35. 

" The offence of profane swearing is aggra- 
vated by the consideration, that in it duty 
and decency are sacrificed to the slenderest 
of temptations. Suppose the habit, either 
from affectation, or by negligence and inad- 
vertency, to be already formed, it must al- 
ways remain within the power of the most 
ordinary resolution to correct it : and it can- 
not, one would think, cost a great deal to re- 
linquish the pleasure and honor which it con- 
fers. A concern for duty is in fact never 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 183 

strong, when the exertion requisite to van- 
quish a habit founded in no antecedent pro- 
pensity is thought too much or too painful. 

" A contempt of positive duties, or rather 
of those duties for which the reason is not so 
plain as the command, indicates a disposition 
upon which the authority of revelation has 
obtained little influence. This remark is ap- 
plicable to the offence of profane swearing, 
and describes, perhaps pretty exactly, the 
general character of those who are most ad- 
dicted to it. 

" Mockery and ridicule, when exercised 
upon the Scriptures, or even upon the places, 
persons, and forms set apart for the ministra- 
tion of religion, fall within the meaning of 
the law which forbids the profanation of 
God's name ; especially as that law is ex- 
tended by Christ's interpretation. They are 
moreover inconsistent with a religious frame 
of mind : for as no one ever either feels him- 
self disposed to pleasantry, or capable of 
being diverted with the pleasantry of others, 
upon matters in which he is deeply inter- 



184 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

ested ; so a mind intent upon the acquisition 
of heaven rejects with, indignation every at- 
tempt to entertain it with jests, calculated to 
degrade or deride subjects which it never 
recollects but with seriousness and anxiety. 
Nothing but stupidity, or the most frivolous 
disposition of thought, can make even the in- 
considerate forget the supreme importance 
of everything which relates to the expecta- 
tion of a future existence. Whilst the in- 
fidel mocks at the superstitions of the vulgar, 
insults over their credulous fears, their child- 
ish errors, or fantastic rites, it does not occur 
to him to observe, that the most preposter- 
ous device by which the weakest devotee 
ever believed he was securing the happiness 
of a future life, is more rational than uncon- 
cern about it. Upon this subject nothing is 
so absurd as indifference ; no folly so con- 
temptible as thoughtlessness and levity. 

"The knowledge of what is due to the 
solemnity of those interests, concerning which 
Eevelation professes to inform and direct us, 
may teach even those who are least inclined 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 185 

to respect the prejudices of mankind, to ob- 
serve a decorum in the style and conduct of 
religious disquisitions, with the neglect of 
which many adversaries of Christianity are 
justly chargeable. Serious arguments are 
fair on all sides. Christianity is but ill de- 
fended by refusing audience or toleration to 
the objections of unbelievers. But whilst we 
would have freedom of inquiry restrained by 
no laws but those of decency, we are entitled 
to demand, on behalf of a religion which 
holds forth to mankind assurances of immor- 
tality, that its credit be assailed by no other 
weapons than those of sober discussion and 
legitimate reasoning ; — that the truth or 
falsehood of Christianity be never made a 
topic of raillery, a theme for the exercise of 
wit or eloquence, or a subject of contention 
for literary fame and victory; — that the 
cause be tried upon its merits ; — that all ap- 
plications to the fancy, passions or prejudices 
of the reader, all attempts to preoccupy, en- 
snare, or perplex his judgment, by any art, 
influence, or impression whatsoever, extrinsic 



186 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

to the proper grounds and evidence upon 
which, his assent ought to proceed, be rejected 
from a question which involves in its deter- 
mination the hopes, the virtue, and the re- 
pose of millions; — that the controversy be 
managed on both sides with sincerity ; that 
is, that nothing be produced, in the writings 
of either, contrary to or beyond the writer's 
own knowledge and persuasion ; — that objec- 
tions and difficulties be proposed, from no 
other motive than an honest and serious de- 
sire to obtain satisfaction, or to communicate 
information which may promote the discov- 
ery and progress of truth ; — that, in conform- 
ity with this design, everything be stated 
with integrity, with method, precision, and 
simplicity ; and above all, that whatever is 
published in opposition to received and con- 
fessedly beneficial persuasions, be set forth 
under a form which is likely to invite in- 
quiry and to meet examination. If with 
these moderate and equitable conditions be 
compared the manner in which hostilities 
have been waged against the Christian re- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 187 

ligion, not only the votaries of the prevailing 
faith, but every man who looks forward 
with anxiety to the destination of his being, 
will see much to blame and to complain of. 
By one unbeliever, all the follies which have 
adhered in a long course of dark and super- 
stitious ages, to the popular creed, are as- 
sumed as so many doctrines of Christ and his 
Apostles, for the purpose of subverting the 
whole system by the absurdities which it is 
thus represented to contain. By another, the 
ignorance and vices of the sacerdotal order, 
their mutual dissensions and persecutions, 
their usurpations and encroachments upon 
the intellectual liberty and civil rights of 
mankind, have been displayed with no small 
triumph and invective ; not so much to guard 
the Christian laity against a repetition of the 
same injuries (which is the only proper use 
to be made of the most flagrant examples of 
the past,) as to prepare the way for an in- 
sinuation, that the religion itself is nothing 
but a profitable fable, imposed upon the fears 
and credulity of the multitude, and upheld 



188 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

by the frauds and influence of an interested 
and crafty priesthood. And yet, how re- 
motely is the character of the clergy con- 
nected with the truth of Christianity ! What, 
after all, do the most disgraceful pages of 
ecclesiastical history prove, but that the pas- 
sions of our common nature are not altered 
or excluded by distinctions of name, and that 
the characters of men are formed much more 
by the temptations than the duties of their 
profession ? A third finds delight in collect- 
ing and repeating accounts of wars and mas- 
sacres, of tumults and insurrections, excited 
in almost every age of the Christian era by 
religious zeal ; as though the vices of Chris- 
tians were parts of Christianity ; intolerance 
and extirpation precepts of the Gospel ; or 
as if its spirit could be judged of from the 
counsels of princes, the intrigues of statesmen, 
the pretences of malice and ambition, or the 
unauthorized cruelty of some gloomy and 
virulent superstition. By a fourth, the suc- 
cession and variety of popular religions ; the 
vicissitudes with which sects and tenets have 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 189 

flourished and decayed ; the zeal with which 
they were once supported, the negligence 
with which they are now remembered ; the 
little share which reason and argument ap- 
pear to have had in framing the creed, or 
regulating the religious conduct of the mul- 
titude ; the indifference and submission with 
which the religion of the state is generally 
received by the common people ; the caprice 
and vehemence with which it is sometimes 
opposed ; the frenzy with which men have 
been brought to contend for opinions and 
ceremonies, of which they knew neither the 
proof, the meaning, nor the original : lastly, 
the equal and undoubting confidence with 
which we hear the doctrines of Christ or of 
Confucius, the law of Moses or of Mahomet, 
the Bible, the Koran, or the Shaster, main- 
tained or anathematized, taught or abjured, 
revered or derided, according as we live on 
this or on that side of a river ; keep within 
or step over the boundaries of a state; or 
even in the same country, and by the same 
people, so often as the event of a battle, or 



190 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

the issue of a negotiation, delivers them to 
the dominion of a new master ; — points, we 
say, of this sort are exhibited to the public 
attention, as so many arguments against the 
truth of the Christian religion ; — and with 
success. For these topics being brought to- 
gether, and set off with some aggravation of 
circumstances, and with a vivacity of style 
and description familiar enough to the writ- 
ings and conversation of free-thinkers, insen- 
sibly lead the imagination into a habit of 
classing Christianity with the delusions that 
have taken possession, by turns, of the pub- 
lic belief; and of regarding it as, what the 
scoffers of our faith represent it to be, the 
superstition of the day. But is this to deal 
honestly by the subject, or with the world ? 
May not the same things be said, may not 
the same prejudices be excited by these rep- 
resentations, whether Christianity be true or 
false, or by whatever proofs its truth be at- 
tested ? May not truth as well as falsehood 
be taken upon credit ? May not a religion 
be founded upon evidence accessible and 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 191 

satisfactory to every mind competent to the 
inquiry, which yet, by the greatest part of 
its professors, is received upon authority ? 

a But if the matter of these objections be 
reprehensible, as calculated to produce an 
effect upon the reader beyond what their 
real weight and place in the argument de- 
serve, still more shall we discover of manage- 
ment and disingenuousness in the form under 
which they are dispersed among the public. 
Infidelity is served up in every shape that 
is likely to allure, surprise, or beguile the 
imagination ; in a fable, a tale, a novel, a 
poem ; in interspersed and broken hints, re- 
mote and oblique surmises ; in books of 
travels, of philosophy, of natural history ; in 
a word, in any form rather than the right 
one, that of a professed and regular disquisi- 
tion. And because the coarse buffoonery 
and broad laugh of the old and rude adver- 
saries of the Christian faith would offend the 
taste, perhaps, rather than the virtue, of this 
cultivated age, a graver irony, a more skilful 
and delicate banter is substituted in its place. 



192 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

An eloquent historian, beside his more direct, 
and therefore fairer, attacks upon the credi- 
bility of Evangelic story, has contrived to 
weave into his narration one continued sneer 
upon the cause of Christianity, and upon the 
writings and characters of its ancient patrons. 
The knowledge which this author possesses 
of the frame and conduct of the human mind 
must have led him to observe, that such at- 
tacks do their execution without inquiry. 
Who can refute a sneer? Who can com- 
pute the number, mnch less, one by one, scru- 
tinize the justice of those disparaging insinua- 
tions which crowd the pages of this elaborate 
history ? What reader suspends his curios- 
ity, or calls off his attention from the prin- 
cipal narrative, to examine references, to 
search into the foundation, or to weigh the 
reason, propriety, and force of every transient 
sarcasm and sly allusion, by which the Chris- 
tian testimony is depreciated and traduced ; 
and by which, nevertheless, he may find his 
persuasion afterwards unsettled and per- 
plexed T 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 193 

" But the enemies of Christianity have pur- 
sued her with poisoned arrows. Obscenity 
itself is made the vehicle of infidelity. The 
fondness for ridicule is almost universal ; and 
ridicule to many minds is never so irresistible 
as when seasoned with obscenity, and em- 
ployed upon religion. But in proportion as 
these noxious principles take hold of the im- 
agination, they infatuate the judgment ; for 
trains of ludicrous and unchaste associations, 
adhering to every sentiment and mention of 
religion, render the mind indisposed to re- 
ceive either conviction from its evidence, or 
impressions from its authority. And this 
effect, being exerted upon the sensitive part 
of our frame, is altogether independent of 
argument, proof, or reason ; is as formidable 
to a true religion as to a false one ; to a well- 
grounded faith as to a chimerical mythology, 
or fabulous tradition. Neither, let it be ob- 
served, is the crime or danger less, because 
impure ideas are exhibited under a veil, in 
covert and chastised language." 

9 



LECTURE VI. 

<Dd Barring?. 



" Have ye not read that he which made them at the beginning, made them 
male and female 1 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and 
mother, and shall cleave to his wife ; and they twain shall be one flesh. 
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What, therefore, God 
hath joined together, let not man put asunder." — Matt. xix. 4, 5, 6. 




gossip- 



T is not impossible that some 
may doubt the propriety of 
introducing into the pulpit 
the subject which will claim 
our attention this evening. 
Marriage is a topic of so 
much e very-day conversation ; it 
is so often and habitually treated 
as a light and trivial affair — 
forming as it does, in every 
circle of society, a standing matter 
for jest and laughter, for tattle and 
that many are surprised at the idea 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 195 

of treating it in a thoughtful and serious 
manner. So far from this being an objec- 
tion, it is an urgent reason for presenting this 
subject under the sedate influences of this 
place and occasion. I would bring out the 
important event of Marriage, from amid the 
frivolity" with which it is usually associated, 
and present it in its real and true aspect — 
as a topic demanding the most sober and 
mature consideration. 

Marriage is a divine covenant, instituted 
by God himself. — " And the Lord God said, 
It is not good that the man should be alone. 
I will make him a help-meet for him." From 
the body of Adam, woman was formed, and 
given to him as a companion, a wife. " And 
Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, 
and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called 
woman, because she was taken out of man. 
Therefore shall a man leave his father and 
mother, and shall cleave unto his wife : and 
they shall be one flesh." The Saviour also, 
in the language of the text, unqualifiedly 
sanctions the marriage covenant, and adopts 



196 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

it as one of the sacred institutions of the 
Christian dispensation. 

The marriage relation is vitally connected 
with the highest interests of human society. 
It restrains, purifies, elevates mankind. It is 
the great preserver of morality and religion ; 
and forms one of the most effective of the 
influences which prevent the world from 
being deluged with licentiousness, and every 
loathsome form of evil. All the comforts 
of domestic life — the sacred and deathless 
ties of the family circle — the dear delights, 
the cherished associations, the hallowed mem- 
ories of the paternal fireside — spring di- 
rectly from the marriage state. It is this 
alone that gives us the home of our child- 
hood, the love, the protection, the wise coun- 
sel and advice of parents. It is this that 
affords the sacred retreat in mature days, 
where, from the strifes, and cares, and bitter 
disappointments of the business mart, the 
husband and father can retire, and amid the 
soothing attentions and the unbought love of 
wife and children, renew his strength and 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 197 

courage for future struggles. It is this 
that furnishes the aged patriarch and the 
venerable matron, with the safe covert, the 
quiet refuge, the warm, snug corner, where 
they can pass the winter of life, surrounded 
by children and children's children, who 
delight to rise up and do them reverence, and 
minister to their comforts. 

" Domestic happiness ! thou only bliss 
Of paradise that hath survived the fall ! 

* # * * * Hi Jfc 

Thou art the nurse of virtue ; in thine arms 
She smiles, appearing, as in truth she is, 
Heaven-born, and destined to the skies again." 

Among ail nations, wherever the marriage 
tie is the most generally formed, and held the 
most sacred, there woman holds the highest 
position and obtains her truest estimation — 
there civilization and refinement — there truth, 
purity, fidelity, and all the virtues and graces 
that can adorn and elevate humanity, bloom 
in vigorous luxuriance. And in the same 
degree that this sacred relationship is neglect- 
ed, and its obligations disregarded, in any 



198 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

nation, do we find woman degraded, and ig- 
norance, barbarism, sensuality and vice, in 
every shape, prevailing and preying on the 
vitals of society. 

In view of these considerations, it assuredly 
cannot be deemed improper, in addressing 
the young, to call their especial attention to 
a subject so interesting as Marriage, and one 
so vitally connected with all that is valuable 
and sacred. Indeed any series of discourses 
designed to counsel them, which should 
omit this all-important topic, would seem to 
be deficient in one of the first essentials of 
salutary admonition. 

In presenting this subject to the considera- 
tion of the youthful, I would admonish them 
against thoughtless engagements, and hasty 
marriages. A heedlessness in these matters, 
is fraught with dangerous consequences. Mat- 
rimony is not to be viewed as a mere joke, 
or frolic, to be engaged in at any moment, 
without forethought or preparation. It is the 
first great step, the most momentous event, 
in the life of a young couple. Their position, 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 199 

their circumstances, their habits, their man- 
ner of occupying time, their prospects, all 
undergo an almost total change at this im- 
portant era. It will be to them a source of 
prosperity, of peace, of the highest enjoy- 
ments, or of adversity, misfortune, "wrangling, 
and bitter wTetchedness — as they do, or do 
not, exercise discretion and judgment in 
forming the connection. No thoughtful young 
man, no prudent young woman, will enter 
into an engagement of marriage, much less 
consummate the act, without viewing it in all 
its bearings. They will maturely weigh the 
consequences which follow, and seriously re- 
flect upon the new scenes, duties, responsi- 
bilities, and labors, to which it leads. 

I know that to many, perhaps most of the 
young, the whole matter of matrimony is 
viewed in a light so romantic — its pathway 
seeming to be so in the midst of rosy clouds, 
so fanned by ambrosial gales, so intermixed 
with flowery meads and rural bowers, the 
songs of birds and murmuring streams — that 
it is exceedingly difficult for them to follow a 



200 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

train of sober thought on the subject. It is 
important, however, that they should seek to 
rise above these deceptive conceptions, and 
take such a view of this matter, as shall ap- 
proach the reality, and save them from the 
disappointment which so often follows this 
consummation of their fondest dreams. 

The selection of a companion for life is a 
transaction altogether more serious than the 
young appear generally to view it. They 
too often forget, that from all the world, they 
are choosing one to walk with them in closest 
intimacy, during all their days ; and that it 
depends on the wisdom of their choice, whe- 
ther the journey of life shall be peaceful and 
pleasant, or sad and wretched. It has passed 
into a species of proverb, that the selection 
of a wife or a husband, is like purchasing a 
ticket in a lottery— no one knows whether a 
prize or a blank will be drawn. There is too 
much truth in this saying, as selections of 
husbands and wives are often made. When 
the young are governed in such things, by 
fancy rather than judgment — when they are 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 201 

carried away captives by some outward, 
worthless attraction, rather than by solid and 
useful qualities— their success will, indeed, 
depend on blind chance. But there is no 
necessity for so great a hazard, A young 
man, or a young woman, may positively know 
beforehand, whether they will draw a prize 
or a blank. In fact, they may select the 
prizes without any mistake, and let the blanks 
go for what they are worth. Let them ex- 
ercise but an ordinary degree of judgment, 
sound discrimination and good sense, and 
there will be no danger of drawing a blank. 
When a young man has attained to a suit- 
able age, and is engaged in some honest and 
useful occupation, whereby he is in possession 
of means to maintain a family, it then be- 
comes not only a privilege, but a duty, to se- 
lect a wife, to be the sharer of his joys and 
his sorrows. In making this choice, he should 
act calmly, deliberately, and thoughtfully. 
He should bear in mind that he is selecting, 
not for a day, or a year, but for all life. The 
object of his affections should be one, who 
9* 



202 LECTURES TO YOUTH, 

will live pleasantly with him, and make him 
happy, not for a few months only, but during 
long years to come, when the romance of 
marriage shall have been succeeded by the 
cares and struggles of maturer life. She 
should be one of whom he can say, in the 
words of the poet :- — * 

" Oft as clouds my path o'erspread, 
Doubtful where my steps should tread, 
She, with judgment's steady ray, 
Marks and smooths the better way." 

There is no greater folly than to select a 
wife for mere personal beauty alone. Beauty 
will always have its attractions ; and when 
connected with an amiable disposition and 
useful qualifications, its influence cannot be 
objected to. But when unaccompanied with 
these characteristics, its power is to be re- 
sisted, and the heart steeled against all its 
fascinations. The young man who permits 
himself to fall so desperately in love with a 
lady, on account of mere personal beauty, as 
to marry her, despite the counsel of his 
friends, and when he himself sees, or might see, 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 203 

a sad want of other and more valuable quali- 
fications, commits an error, the wretched 
effects of which will be experienced through 
life. When this outward beauty loses its 
charm and passes away, as it will in a brief 
space of time, what has he left ? A cross- 
grained, ill-natured, fault-finding, petulant, 
selfish wife, who will prove a " thorn in his 
side," during all his days, rather than a lov- 
ing and valuable companion. 

Good looks are always attractive. But 
there is something still more desirable in a 
wife, viz., a sweet disposition and an even 
temper, a gentle, affectionate heart, and a well- 
cultivated and enlightened mind. Let young 
men, by all means, seek for such qualifications 
in those whom they would choose for their 
companions. In these characteristics there is 
a beauty and loveliness which will not fade 
away with the consummation of marriage; 
but they will grow brighter and more at- 
tractive from year to year, during all life. 

Moreover, I would caution young men 
against allowing their hearts to be taken 



204 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

captive under circumstances where they are 
especially exposed to deception. A young 
woman may exhibit a fine appearance in a 
ball-room — may be very attractive at a party, 
and cut a fashionable and dashing figure in 
the public streets, and still make a poor, good- 
for-nothing wife. These are the last places 
in which choice should be made of a com- 
panion, to render aid and comfort amid the 
struggles of life. Whenever your attention 
is attracted by a young lady, study her in the 
family circle — learn her domestic qualifica- 
tions. Is she a respectful, dutiful, loving 
daughter? Is she a kind and affectionate 
sister ? Does she manifest a noble, generous, 
friendly spirit ? Does she exhibit delicacy, 
refinement, and. purity in her tastes and man : 
ners ? Is she industrious,economical, and fru- 
gal in her habits ? "Will she be likely to as- 
sist you in husbanding your income, and tak- 
ing care of your earnings ? Is she thoroughly 
versed in all domestic affairs, so that she her- 
self could do all things connected with house- 
hold matters, should necessity require it? 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 205 

These, I acknowledge, are very ordinary, very 
homely inquiries ; but nevertheless they are 
of the highest importance. A young man 
who will marry, without having thoroughly 
made all such investigations, and becoming 
satisfied that his intended is not deficient, to 
any great extent, in these qualifications, is 
blind to his own highest good, and will in 
long after-years, amid, domestic inquietude, 
and family troubles, indulge unavailing re- 
grets at his blindness and folly. But when- 
ever a young woman can be found, possessing 
these invaluable characteristics, I would ad- 
vise the youth seeking for a companion, to 
win her for a wife if possible. Although 
she may be plain in person, and poor in prop- 
erty, yet she will be of more worth than ru- 
bies ; and all riches cannot be compared with 
her. She will be a faithful friend and wise 
counsellor, and will smooth the rugged path- 
way of life. However the world and. its af- 
fairs may go without, he who has such a wife, 
will ever have a home, where neatness and 
comfort, peace and love, and all that can 



206 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

yield contentment and enjoyment, will smile 
upon Mm ! 

All the care, discrimination, and judgment 
urged on young men in selecting wives, I 
would commend to young ladies, in accepting 
husbands. If to the former, marriage is an 
important event, fraught with consequences 
lasting as life, it is peculiarly so to the latter. 
It surely is no trivial event for a daughter 
to leave the home of her childhood, the ten- 
der care and watchful guardianship of kind 
parents, the society of affectionate brothers 
and sisters, to confide herself, with all her 
interests and her happiness, to another with 
whom she has hitherto associated only as a 
friend. Is it not necessary to exercise pru- 
dence, forethought, discretion, in taking a 
step so momentous ? 

A young woman should not marry because 
the youthful are expected to enter matrimo- 
nial bonds at a certain age, nor merely be- 
cause they have had an offer of marriage. 
Such an admonition may seem to be unne- 
cessary ; but I think it called for. It is true, 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 207 

beyond question, that young women some- 
times receive the addresses, and finally be- 
come the wives, of men for whom they have 
formed no very strong attachment, and, in- 
deed, in whom they see many characteristics 
and habits, which they cannot . approbate. 
This is done on the principle, that it is the 
first offer of marriage they have had, and 
may be the only opportunity of settlement 
for life that will ever present itself. Not a 
few parents have urged their daughters to 
such a course — -totally blinded to the evils 
which often flow from it. 

Such a procedure is fraught with danger. 
It perils the happiness of all coming days. 
How manv have, under such circumstances, 
left the abode of their childhood, where 
every comfort surrounded them, to spend a 
life of wrangling, bitterness, and, sometimes, 
abject poverty. Better, a thousand times, to 
remain at home, better live in " single bless- 
edness" all your days, than to become con- 
nected with a man whose disposition, habits, 
or character, you cannot fully approve. 



208 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

Though lie may be as ricli as Cresus — -though, 
he may lead you to a palace for an abode, 
and deck you with jewels— yet, if you can- 
not give him your entire approbation, if 
your heart's fondest affections are not cen- 
tred upon him, if he is not all you can 
sanction and love, unite not your destiny 
with him. The life of a contented, useful 
" old maid" is infinitely to be preferred to that 
of a wretched, heart-broken wife. " Those 
unequal marriages which are sometimes called 
excellent matches, seldom produce much hap- 
piness. And where happiness is not, what 
is all the rest V 

In accepting the addresses of young men, 
with a view to matrimony, allow me to 
caution you against being too much influ- 
enced by good looks, and fascinating manners. 
It is due to young ladies to say, that they 
show much more good sense in this respect 
than the other sex. They do not select 
their companions so much on the ground of 
mere personal beauty, without reference to 
higher and better qualifications, as do young 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 209 

men. Still, a precaution to them on this 
point will not be wholly useless. 

Here is a young man who is gay in his 
manners, and fashionable in his attire — a 
dandy of the first water, all buckled and 
strapped after the latest pattern. His bosom 
is decked with golden chains, and his fingers 
with platter rings. His tongue is as prolific 
of lackadaisical words, as his head is devoid 
of good sense. He showers the politest at- 
tentions in the assembly room, or during the 
ride, or walk. He is, in fine, the very beau 
ideal of a " ladies' man !" There is another 
young man. His manners are respectful, but 
without courtly polish. His dress is plain 
and neat, with no display and no gaudy orna- 
ments. He knows nothing of the thousand 
ways and arts by which the other makes him- 
self so agreeable. He has no " small talk" 
in his vocabulary, and must utter sound 
sense, on useful subjects, or remain silent. 
He may appear somewhat awkward in his 
attentions to ladies, but is, nevertheless, 
friendly and obliging in his demeanor. In 



210 LECTURES TO YOUTH, 

his whole life and character, he is a retiring, 
but most worthy youth. Are there not some 
young ladies who would prefer the company 
of the showy, chattering fop ; who would re- 
ceive his address, yea, accept him as a hus- 
band, and reject the diffident, modest youth ? 
Yet the latter would make a kind, affection- 
ate, provident husband ; likely to attain to 
respectability, high-standing, and wealth : 
while the former would most probably prove 
a poor, cross-grained broken-stick; ill-natured, 
and perhaps dissipated ; dragging wife and 
family into the insignificance and poverty to 
which he speedily would sink ! Surely dis- 
creet young ladies will think many times, 
and weigh well the consequences, before 
making such a choice. 

Where the hand of a young woman is sought 
in marriage, she should look beyond the mere 
personal accomplishments of dress, manners, 
and conversational powers of him who would 
make her his wife. Many an individual who 
has the appearance and manners of a gentle- 
man, is, in reality, a black-hearted villain — 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 211 

a marriage with whom would seal their 
wretchedness for life. In accepting a hus- 
band, there are certain requisites which 
young women should consider as indispen- 
sable. 

He should have some honest and useful 
trade, profession, or occupation. A "do- 
nothing" young man, will assuredly make a 
"good-for-nothing" husband. No one can 
justly charge you with sordid motives, for 
scrutinizing critically his capability to secure 
to you, and such family as may gather around 
you, a maintenance that shall insure you 
against poverty and want. 

His habits should be unexceptionable. He 
should be honest, upright, truthful, indus- 
trious, and economical — pure in his conversa- 
tion and tastes. Not only should he have the 
ability to obtain a livelihood, but should 
possess prudence and frugality to lay up and 
secure the fruits of his industry. 

Above all, he should be strictly and rigid- 
ly temperate. On this point I would speak 
with emphasis. Most earnestly would I 



212 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

admonish young women never to unite their 
destiny with that of a drinking young man. 
Alas ! how many a wife, when too late, has 
lamented in bitter tears her short-sightedness 
in this respect. A young man, who, in this 
age of temperance, has not sufficient self- 
respect, pride of character, and good sense, 
to refrain from the intoxicating bowl before 
marriage, will be very likely to sink into a com- 
mon drunkard afterwards. This is not always 
the case ; but the exceptions are so rare, that 
she who ventures the risk, places herself in a 
condition which hazards her happiness for 
life. However proper his other habits may 
be, however amiable and pleasant his disposi- 
tion, however bright and promising his pros- 
pects, however high his position, or respec- 
table his family connections — if he drinks the 
lethean draught, even but sparingly, he is 
tampering with a viper, which will almost 
certainly sting him to death, and poison the 
joys, and destroy the prosperity of all con- 
nected with him. 

The world is filled with scenes which attest 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 213 

the need of this admonition. All around we 
behold the wrecks of families, torn asunder 
by the intemperance of husbands and fathers, 
which otherwise might have been united and 
happy. Wives forsaken, broken-hearted, im- 
poverished — children beggared and neglect- 
ed, growing up in rags and ignorance, to 
become the victims of sin and shame. All 
these attest the danger that woman encoun- 
ters, who links her destiny with a drinking 
young man. O ye youthful and inexperienced, 
turn not a cold ear to my exhortation. With 
all the solemnity the momentous topic in- 
spires, I beseech you, as you value a life of 
peace and prosperity, never, under any pos- 
sible consideration, give your hand to a man 
who presses to his lips the intoxicating cup ! 
Though you may have granted your affections, 
and plighted your troth, to one who is given, 
even but slightly, to this practice, if on your 
earnest expostulation, he will not abandon 
it, you should, without hesitation, break all 
connection with him. Every consideration of 
prudence, self-respect, and safety, urges you 



214 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

to such, a step, however painful ; and every 
law, human and divine, will justify you in 
adopting it. 

The suggestions which follow, on the views 
of Marriage that should be entertained by 
young men, and "Female qualifications for 
Marriage," are so appropriate and excellent, 
that I cannot forbear giving them an inser- 
tion in these pages. 

u Whatever advice may be given to the 
contrary by friends or foes, it is my opinion 
that you ought to keep matrimony steadily 
in view. For this end, were it for no other, 
you ought to mingle much in society. Never 
consider yourself complete without this other 
half of yourself. It is too much the fashion 
among young men at the present day to 
make up their minds to dispense with mar- 
riage ; — an unnatural, and therefore an un- 
wise plan. Much of our character, and most 
of our comfort and happiness depend upon 
it. Many have found this out too late ; that 
is, after age and fixed habits had partly dis- 
qualified them for this important duty. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 215 

" According to the character of the person 
yon select, in a considerable degree, will be 
yojir own. Should a mere face fascinate you 
to a doll) you will not need much, mental 
energy to please her ; and the necessity of 
exertion on this account being small, your 
own self will sink, or at least not rise, as it 
otherwise might do. 

"But were I personally acquainted with 
you, and should I perceive an honorable at- 
tachment taking possession of your heart, I 
should regard it as a happy circumstance. 
Life then has an object. The only thing to 
be observed is that it be managed with pru- 
dence, honor, and good sense. 

" The case of John Newton is precisely in 
point. In very early life this man formed a 
strong attachment to a lady, under circum- 
stances which did not permit him to make it 
known ; which was probably well for both 
parties. It did not diminish Jier happiness, 
so long as she remained in ignorance on the 
subject ; and in scenes of sorrow, suffering, 
and temptation, the hope of one day obtain- 



216 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

ing her soothed him, and kept him from per- 
forming many dishonorable actions. 'The 
bare possibility,' he says, ' of seeing her again, 
was the only obvious means of restraining 
me from the most horrid designs, against my- 
self and others.' 

" The wish to marry, if prudently indulged, 
will lead to honest and persevering exertions 
to obtain a reasonable income — one which 
will be satisfactory to the object of your 
hopes, as well as to her friends. He who is 
determined on living a single life, very natu- 
rally contracts his endeavors to his own nar- 
row personal wants, or else squanders freely, 
in the belief that he can always procure 
enough to support himself. Indeed it cannot 
have escaped even the careless observer that 
in proportion as an individual relinquishes 
the idea of matrimony, just in the same pro- 
portion do his mind and feelings contract. 
On the contrary, that hope which aims at a 
beloved partner — a family — a fireside, — will 
lead its possessor to activity in all his con- 
duct. It will elicit his talents, and urge 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 217 

them to their full energy, and probably call 
in tlie aid of economy ; a quality so indis- 
pensable to every condition of life. The 
single consideration, 4 "What would she think 
were she now to see me V called up by the 
obtrusion of a favorite image,— -how often has 
it stimulated a noble mind and heart to 
deeds which otherwise had never been per- 
formed ! 

" I repeat it, I am aware that this advice 
is liable to abuse. But what shall be done ? 
Images of some sort will haunt the mind 
more or less — female influence in some shape 
or other will operate. Is it not better to 
give the imagination a virtuous direction 
than to leave it to range without control, and 
without end? 

" I repeat it, nothing is better calculated 
to preserve a young man from the contami- 
nation of low pleasures and pursuits, than 
frequent intercourse with the more refined 
and virtuous of the other sex. Besides, with- 
out such society his manners can never ac- 
quire the true polish of a gentleman, — gene- 
10 



218 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

ral character, dignity, and refinement ; — nor 
his mind and heart the truest and noblest 
sentiments of a man. Make it an object 
then, I again say, to spend some portion of 
every week of your life in the company of 
intelligent and virtuous ladies. At all events, 
flee solitude, and especially the exclusive so- 
ciety of your own sex. The doctrines even 
of Zimmerman, the great apostle of solitude, 
would put to shame many young men, who 
seldom or never mix in female society. 

44 If you should be so unfortunate as not 
to have among your acquaintance any ladies 
whose society would, in these points of view, 
be profitable to you, do not be in haste to 
mix with the ignorant and vulgar ; but wait 
patiently till your own industry and good 
conduct shall give you admission to better 
circles ; and in the meantime cultivate your 
mind by reading and thinking, so that when 
you actually gain admission to good society, 
you may know how to prize and enjoy it. 
Remember, too, that you are not to be so 
selfish as to think nothing of contributing to 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 219 

the happiness of others. It is blessed to give 
as well as to receive. 

" When you are in the company of ladies, 
beware of silliness. It is true they will 
sooner forgive foolishness than ill manners, 
but you will, of course, avoid both. I know 
one young gentleman of great promise, who 
adopted the opinion that in order to qualify 
himself for female society, he had only to be- 
come as foolish as possible, while in their 
presence. That young man soon lost the 
favor of all whose friendship might have 
operated as a restraint ; but unwilling to as- 
sociate with the despicable, and unable to 
live in absolute solitude, he chose the bottle 
for his companion; and made himself, and 
the few friends he had, miserable. 

" Nothing, unless it be the coarsest flattery, 
will give more offence, in the end, than to 
treat ladies as mere playthings or children. 
On the other hand, do not become pedantic, 
and lecture them on difficult subjects. They 
readily see through all this. Neither is it 
good manners or policy to talk much of your- 



220 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

self. They can penetrate this also ; and they 
despise the vanity which produces it. In de- 
tecting deception, they are often much quick- 
er than we apprehend. 

" A young gentleman, in one of the New 
England States, who had assumed the chair 
of the pedagogue, paid his addresses to the 
beautiful and sensible daughter of a respect- 
able farmer. One day, as she was present in 
his school, he read to her a hymn, which he 
said was from his own pen. Now it was ob- 
rious to this lady, and even to some of the 
pupils, that the hymn was none other than 
that usually known by the name of the 
' Harvest Hymn,' modified by the change of 
a few words only. How much effect this 
circumstance might have had I cannot say 
with certainty ; but I know it disgusted one, 
at least, of the pupils ; and I know, too, that 
his addresses to the lady were soon after- 
wards discontinued. 

" A young man who would profit from the 
society of young ladies, or indeed from any 
society, must preserve a modest and respect- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 221 

ful spirit ; must seek to conciliate their good 
will by quiet and unostentatious attentions, 
and discover more willingness to avail him- 
self of their stock of information, than to dis- 
play his own knowledge or abilities. 

u He should observe, and learn to admire, 
that purity and ignorance of evil, which is 
the characteristic of well-educated young 
ladies, and which, while we are near them, 
raises us above those sordid and sensual con- 
siderations which hold such sway over men, 
in their intercourse with each other. He 
should treat them as spirits of a purer sphere, 
and try to be as innocent, if not as ignorant 
of evil as they are ; remembering that there 
is no better way of raising himself in the 
scale of intellectual and moral being. But 
to whatever degree of intimacy he may ar- 
rive, he should never forget those little acts 
of courtesy and kindness, as well as that re- 
spect, and self-denial, which lend a charm to 
every kind of polite intercourse, and espe- 
cially to that of which I am now speaking. 

" Whenever an opportunity occurs, how- 



222 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

ever, it is the duty of a young man to intro- 
duce topics of conversation winch are decid- 
edly favorable to mental and moral improve- 
ment. Should he happen to be attending to 
the same study, or reading the same book 
with a female acquaintance, an excellent op- 
portunity will be afforded for putting this 
rule in practice. 

FEMALE QUALIFICATIONS FOR MARRIAGE. 

44 The highest as well as the noblest trait 
in female character, is love to God. When 
we consider what are the tendencies of Chris- 
tianity to elevate woman from the state of 
degradation to which she had, for ages, been 
subjected — when we consider not only what 
it has done, but what it is destined yet to do 
for her advancement, — it is impossible not to 
shrink from the presence of an impious, and 
above all an unprincipled atheistical female, 
as from an ungrateful and unnatural being. 

44 Man is under eternal obligations to Chris- 
tianity and its Divine Author, undoubtedly ; 
but woman seems to be more so. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 223 

" That charge against females which, in the 
minds of some half-atheistical men is magni- 
fied into a stigma on Christianity itself, 
namely, that they are more apt to become re- 
ligious than men ; and that we find by far 
the greater part of professing Christians to 
be females, is in my own view one of the 
highest praises of the sex. I rejoice that 
their hearts are more susceptible than ours, 
and that they do not war so strongly against 
that religion which their nature demands. I 
have met with but one female, whom I knew 
to be an avowed atheist. 

" Indeed there are very few men to be 
found, Yilao are skeptical themselves, who do 
not prefer pious companions of the other sex. 
I will not stop to adduce this as an evidence 
of the truth of our religion itself, and of its 
adaptation to the wants of the human race, for 
happily it does not need it. Christianity is 
based on the most abundant evidence, of a 
character wholly unquestionable. But this 
I do and will say, that to be consistent, young 
men of loose principles ought not to rail at 



224 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

females for their piety, and then whenever 
they seek for a constant friend, one whom 
they can love, — for they never really love 
the abandoned — always prefer, other things 
being equal, the society of the pious and the 
virtuous. 

" Next on the list of particular qualifica- 
tions in a female, for matrimonial life, I place 
common sense. In the view of some, it ought 
to precede moral excellence. A person, it is 
said, who is deficient in common sense, is, in 
proportion to the imbecility, unfit for social 
life, and yet the same person might possess a 
kind of negative excellency, or perhaps even 
a species of piety. This view appears to me, 
however, much more specious than sound. 

" By common sense, as used in this place, 
I mean the faculty by means of which we see 
things as they really are. It implies judg- 
ment and discrimination, and a proper sense 
of propriety in regard to the common con- 
cerns of life. It leads us to form judicious 
plans of action, and to be governed by our 
circumstances in such a way as will be gene- 
10* 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 225 

rally approved. It is the exercise of reason, 
uninfluenced by passion or prejudice. To 
man, it is nearly what instinct is to brutes. 
It is very different from genius or talent, as 
they are commonly defined ; but much better 
than either. It never blazes forth with the 
splendor of noon, but shines with a constant 
and useful light. To the housewife — but, 
above all, to the mother, — it is indispensable. 

" Whatever other recommendations a lady 
may possess, she should have an inextinguish- 
able thirst for improvement. No sensible 
person can be truly happy in the world, 
without this; much less qualified to make 
others happy. But the genuine spirit of im- 
provement, wherever it exists, atones for the 
absence of many qualities which would other- 
wise be indispensable : in this respect resem- 
bling that { charity' which covers 4 a multi- 
tude of sins.' Without it, almost everything 
would be of little consequence,— with it, 
everything else is rendered doubly valuable. 

" One would think that every sensible per- 
son, of either sex, would aspire at improve- 



226 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

ment, were it merely to avoid the shame of 
being stationary like the brutes. Above all, 
it is most surprising that any lady should be 
satisfied to pass a day or even an hour with- 
out mental and moral progress. It is no dis- 
credit to the lower animals that- — c their little 
all flows in at once, 7 that 4 in ages they no 
more can know, or covet or enjoy,' for this is 
the legitimate result of the physical constitu- 
tion which God has given them. But it is 
far otherwise with the masters and mistresses 

of creation : for 

7 i 

4 Were man to live coeval with the sun, 
The patriarch pupil should be learning still, 
And dying, leave his lessons half unlearnt,' 

" There are,— I am sorry to say it— not a 
few of both sexes who never appear to 
breathe out one hearty desire to rise, intel- 
lectually or morally, with a view to the gov- 
ernment of themselves or others. They love 
themselves supremely — their friends subor- 
dinately— their neighbors, perhaps not at all. 
But neither the love they bear to themselves 
or others even leads them to a single series 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 227 

of any sort of action which has for its ulti- 
mate object the improvement of anything 
higher than the condition of the mere animal. 
Dress, personal appearance, equipage, style 
of a dwelling or its furniture, with no other 
view, however, than the promotion of mere 
physical enjoyment, is the height of their de- 
sires for improvement ! 

" Talk to them of elevating the intellect 
or improving the heart, and they admit it is 
true ; but they go their way and pursue their 
accustomed round of folly again. The prob- 
ability is, that though they assent to your 
views, they do not understand you. It re- 
quires a stretch of charity to which. I am 
wholly unequal, to believe that beings who 
ever conceived, for one short moment, of the 
height to which their natures may be ele- 
vated, should sink back without a single 
struggle, to a mere selfish, unsocial, animal 
life ; — to lying in bed ten or twelve hours 
daily, rising three or four hours later than 
the sun, spending the morning in preparation 
at the glass, the remainder of the time till 



228 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

dinner in unmeaning calls, the afternoon in 
yawning over a novel, and tlie evening in the 
excitement of the tea-table and the party, 
and the ball-room, to retire, perhaps at mid- 
night, with the mind and body and soul in a 
feverish state, to toss away the night in vapid 
or distressing dreams. 

" How beings endowed with immortal 
souls can be contented to while away pre- 
cious hours in a manner so useless, and withal 
so displeasing to the God who gave them 
their time for the improvement of themselves 
and others, is to me absolutely inconceivable ! 
Yet it is certainly done ; and that not merely 
by a few solitary individuals scattered up 
and down the land ; but in some of our most 
populous cities, by considerable numbers. 

" Should the young man who is seeking an 
' help meet, 7 chance to fall in with such beings 
as these — and some we fear there are in al- 
most every part of our land, — let him shun 
them as he would the i choke damp' of the 
cavern. 

"Their society would extinguish, rather 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 229 

than fan the flame of every generous or be- 
nevolent-feeling that might be kindling in 
his bosom. With the fond, the ardent, the 
never-failing desire to improve, physically, 
intellectually, and morally, there are few fe- 
males who may not make tolerable compan- 
ions for a man of sense ; — without it, though 
a young lady were beautiful and otherwise 
lovely beyond comparison, wealthy as the 
Indies, surrounded by thousands of the most 
worthy friends, and even talented, let him 
beware ! Better remain in celibacy a thou- 
sand years (could life last so long) great as 
the evil may be, than form a union with such 
an object. He should pity, and seek her ref- 
ormation, if not beyond the bounds of possi- 
bility; but love her he should not! The 
penalty will be absolutely insupportable. 

" One point ought to be settled, — I think 
unalterably settled — before matrimony, It 
ought indeed to be settled in early life, but 
it is better late, perhaps, than never. Each 
of the parties should consider themselves as 
sacredly pledged, in all cases, to yield to con- 



230 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

viction. I have no good opinion of the man 
wlio expects his wife to yield her opinion to 
his, on every occasion, unless she is convinced. 
I say on every occasion / for that she some- 
times ought to do so, seems to be both scrip- 
tural and rational. It would be very incon- 
venient to call in a third person as an umpire 
upon every slight difference of opinion be- 
tween a young couple, besides being very 
humiliating. But if each maintain, with per- 
tinacity, their opinion, what can be done ? 
It does seem to me that every sensible w^o- 
man, who feels any good degree of confidence 
in her husband, will perceive the propriety 
of yielding her opinion to his in such cases, 
where the matter is of such a nature that it 
cannot be delayed. 

" But there are a thousand things occur- 
ring, in which there is no necessity of form- 
ing an immediate opinion, or decision, except 
from conviction. I should never like the 
idea of a woman's conforming to her hus- 
band's views to please him, merely, without 
considering whether they are correct or not. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 231 

It seems to me a sort of treason against the 
God who gave lier a mind of her own, with 
an intention that she should use it. But it 
would be higher treason still, in male or fe- 
male, not to yield, when actually convinced. 

" Without the knowledge and the love of 
domestic concerns, even the wife of a peer is 
but a poor affair. It was the fashion, in 
former times, for ladies to understand a great 
deal about these things, and it would be very 
hard to make me believe that it did not tend 
to promote the interests and honor of their 
husbands. 

" The concerns of a great family never can 
be well managed, if left wholly to hirelings ; 
and there are many parts of these affairs in 
which it would be unseemly for husbands to 
meddle. Surely, no lady can be too high in 
rank to make it proper for her to be well 
acquainted with the character and general 
demeanor of all the female servants. To re- 
ceive and give character is too much to be 
left to a servant, however good, whose ser- 
vice has been ever so long, or acceptable. 



232 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

" Mucli of the ease and happiness of the 
great and rich must depend on the character 
of those by whom they are assisted. They 
live under the same roof with them; they 
are frequently the children of their tenants, 
or poorer neighbors ; the conduct of their 
whole lives must be influenced bv the ex- 
amples and precepts which they here imbibe ; 
and when ladies consider how much more 
weight there must be in one word from them, 
than in ten thousand words from a person 
who, call her what you like, is still a fellow 
servant, it does appear strange that they 
should forego the performance of this at once 
important and pleasing part of their duty. 

" I am, however, addressing myself, in this 
work, to persons in the middle ranks of life ; 
and here a knowledge of domestic affairs is 
so necessary in every wife, that the lover 
ought to have it continually in his eye. iSTot 
only a knowledge of these affairs — not only 
to know how things ought to he done, but 
how to do them ; not only to know what in- 
gredients ought to be put into a pie or a 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 233 

pudding, but to be able to make the pie or 
tlie pudding. 

" Young people, when they come together, 
ought not, unless they have fortunes, or are 
to do unusual business, to think about ser- 
vants ! Servants for what ! To help them 
eat, and drink, and sleep ? When they have 
children, there must be some help in a farm- 
er's or tradesman's house, but until then, 
what call is there for a servant in a house, 
the master of which has to earn every mouth- 
ful that is consumed ? 

"Eating and drinking come three times 
every day ; they must come ; and, however 
little we may, in the days of our health and 
vigor, care about choice food and about cook- 
ery, we very soon get tired of heavy or burnt 
bread, and of spoiled joints of meat. We 
bear them for once or twice perhaps ; but 
about the third time, we begin to lament ; 
about the fifth time, it must be an extraor- 
dinary affair that will keep us from com- 
plaining ; if the like continue for a month or 
two, we begin to repent ; and then adieu to 



234 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

all our anticipated delights. We discover, 
when it is too late, that we have not got a 
help-mate, but a burden ; and, the fire of 
love being damped, the unfortunately edu- 
cated creature, whose parents are more to 
blame than she is, unless she resolve to learn 
her duty, is doomed to lead a life very nearly 
approaching to that of misery ; for, however 
considerate the husband, he never can esteem 
her as he would have done, had she been 
skilled in domestic affairs. 

" The mere manual performance of domes- 
tic labors is not, indeed, absolutely necessary 
in the female head of the family of profes- 
sional men ; but, even here, and also in the 
case of great merchants and of gentlemen 
living on their fortunes, surely the head of 
the household ought to be able to give direc- 
tions as to the purchasing of meal, salting 
meat, making bread, making preserves of all 
sorts ; and ought to see the things done. 

" The lady ought to take care that food be 
well cooked; that there be always a suffi- 
cient supply ; that there be good living with- 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 235 

out waste ; and that in her department, no- 
thing shall be seen inconsistent with the rank, 
station, and character of her husband. If he 
have a skilful and industrious wife, he will, 
unless he be of a singularly foolish turn, 
gladly leave all these things to her absolute 
dominion, controlled only by the extent of 
the whole expenditure, of which he must be 
the best judge. 

" But, in a farmer's or a tradesman's family, 
the manual performance is absolutely neces- 
sary, whether there be domestics or not. 
No one knows how to teach another so well 
as one who has done, and can do, the thing 
himself. It was said of a famous French 
commander, that, in attacking an enemy, he 
did not say to his men i go on,' but 4 come on ;' 
and, whoever has well observed the move- 
ments of domestics, must know what a prodi- 
gious difference there is in the effect of the 
words, go and come. 

" A very good rule would be, to have no- 
thing to eat, in a farmer's or mechanic's house, 
that the mistress did not know how to pre- 



236 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

pare and to cook ; no pudding, tart, pie or 
cake, that she did not know how to make. 
Never fear the toil to her : exercise is good 
for health; and without health there is no 
beauty. Besides, what is the labor in such 
a case ? And how many thousands of ladies, 
who idle away the day, would give half their 
fortunes for that sound sleep which the stir- 
ring housewife seldom fails to enjoy. 

" Yet, if a young farmer or mechanic marry 
a girl, who has been brought up only to 
L play music] to draw, to sing, to waste paper, 
pen and ink in writing long and half-romantic 
letters, and to see shows, and plays, and read 
novels ; — if a young man do marry such an 
unfortunate young creature, let him bear the 
consequences with temper. Let him be just 
Justice will teach him to treat her with great 
indulgence ; to endeavor to persuade her to 
learn her business as a wife ; to be patient 
with her ; to reflect that he has taken her, 
being apprized of her inability ; to bear in 
mind, that he was, or seemed to be, pleased 
with her showy and useless acquirements ; 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 237 

and that, when the gratification of his pas- 
sion has been accomplished, he is unjust, and 
cruel, and unmanly, if he turn round upon 
her, and accuse her of a want of that knowl- 
edge, which he well knew, beforehand, she 
did not possess. 

" For my part, I do not know, nor can I 
form an idea of, a more unfortunate being 
than a girl with a mere boarding-school edu- 
cation, and without a fortune to enable her 
to keep domestics, when married. Of what 
use are lier accomplishments ? Of what use 
her music, her drawing, and her romantic 
epistles ? If she should chance to possess a 
sweet disposition, and good nature, the first 
faint cry of her first babe drives all the tunes 
and all the landscapes, and all the imaginary 
beings out of her head forever. 

" The farmer or the tradesman's wife has 
to help earn a provision for her children ; or, 
at the least, to help to earn a store for sick- 
ness or old age. She ought, therefore, to be 
qualified to begin, at once, to assist her hus- 
band in his earnings. The way in which she 



238 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

can most efficiently assist, is by taking care 
of his property ; by expending his money to 
the greatest advantage ; by wasting nothing, 
but by making the table sufficiently abun- 
dant with the least expense. 

" But how is she to do these things, unless 
she has been brought up to understand do- 
mestic affairs ? How is she to do these 
things, if she has been taught to think these 
matters beneath her study ? How is the man 
to expect her to do these things, if she has 
been so bred, as to make her habitually look 
upon them as worthy the attention of none 
but low and ignorant women ? 

" Ignorant, indeed ! Ignorance consists in 
a want of knowledge of those things which 
your calling or state of life naturally supposes 
you to understand. A ploughman is not an 
ignorant man because he does not know how 
to read. If he knows how to plough, he is 
not to be called an ignorant man ; but a wife 
may be justly called an ignorant woman, if 
she does not know how to provide a dinner 
for her husband. It is cold comfort for a 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 239 

hungry man, to tell him how delightfully his 
wife plays and sings. Lovers may live on 
very aerial diet, but husbands stand in need 
of something more solid ; and young women 
may take my word for it, that a constantly 
clean table, well cooked victuals, a house in 
order, and a cheerful fire, will do more to- 
wards preserving a husband's heart, than all 
the 4 accomplishments' taught in all the ' es- 
tablishments' in the world without them."* 

Other considerations might be urged on 
the young of both sexes, as prerequisites to 
a hopeful and a happy marriage. But if the 
reflections already offered are duly heeded, 
they will enable those who are influenced by 
them, to secure the blessings and escape the 
evils of the marriage state. As a general 
remark, I would suggest that in selecting a 
companion for a connection so lasting, it 
should be a leading object to find as great 
a similarity of opinions, habits, tastes, and 
feelings, as possible. This is especially im- 
portant in regard to religious sentiments. It 

* Young Man's Guide. 



240 LECTURES TO YOUTH. 

is a serious misfortune for a young married 
couple to find themselves differing materially 
on the subject of religion. This is more 
particularly an evil when both are strongly 
attached to their respective opinions, and 
anxious to attend different churches. I have 
frequently known this greatly to embitter 
the cup of domestic enjoyment. Where 
husband and wife can sympathize in each 
other's sentiments — can walk together to the 
house of God, with their children — can 
strengthen and enlighten one another in re- 
gard to the great truths to which they there 
listen — can unite in instructing their family 
in the same doctrines and principles of 
Christianity — it opens one of the highest and 
sweetest sources of domestic happiness. But 
an absence of this unity in religious opinions, 
is liable to lead to frequent disputations and 
contentions, which often result in recrimina- 
tions, and hard and bitter feelings. There 
are not wanting instances where the most 
serious difficulties and the greatest unhap- 
piness have grown out of these disagreements. 



LECTURES TO YOUTH. 241 

Hence it is botli proper and needful, to 
admonish the young, in choosing a wife or a 
husband, to make a concurrence in religious 
faith, one of the great essentials requisite to 
a union. 

In case of a different result — when husband 
and wife unfortunately find a wide disparity 
in the leading doctrines of their religion — 
they should seek to make the best of their 
misfortune, and guard against allowing it to 
prove a bone of contention in their midst. 
They should agree to disagree in forbearance 
and love. They should respect each other's 
views, and be cautious not to say or do that 
which can cast disparagement on their re- 
spective sentiments. Neither should demand 
or expect the other to abandon his or her 
doctrines, without full conviction of their er- 
roneous nature. Both should be tolerant and 
forbearing — willing to grant the other the 
same freedom of opinion they claim for them- 
selves. 

It should be an established rule with hus- 
band and wife, to attend the worship of 
11 



242 EECTirftEff TO TOUTS 

God together-. This— is %k fa£ the most 
agreeable and proper procedure. Should it 
not be pleasant, however, for both to worship 
statedly in the same church, and listen to the 
proclamation of the same doctrines, they 
should arrange their plans to attend each 
other's meetings on alternate Sabbaths. This 
kind and friendly reciprocity would be fair, 
just, and honorable to both parties, and 
might lead ultimately to a similarity of opin- 
ions. But for a husband or a wife to refuse 
such a concession, and insist that the other 
shall forsake their attached place of worship, 
abandon their sentiments, or remain totally 
silent in relation to them, on pain of having 
the harmony and peace of the family de- 
stroyed — -would be to exhibit a spirit totally 
ungenerous, and in violation of every dictate 
of the Christian religion. 

I have made these suggestions, not only 
for the benefit of those who have recently 
entered upon married life, but to admonish 
those who are unmarried to come to an 
understanding on this subject, and make all 



LECTURES TO YOUTH, 243 

these arrangements before the consummation 
of their vows. Or, what is still better, let 
these considerations convince the youthful of 
the necessity of making a similarity of re- 
ligious sentiment one of the chief qualifica- 
tions in forming a tie, which, for good or 
evil, will connect them with another during 
the remainder of the earthly journey. 



THE END. 



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